Sunfolk Leisure Facilities Crowdfunder

Founded in 1931 by The Sun-Folk Society, Sunfolk is one of the oldest naturist sites in Britain and formed the template for many of the clubs that followed, shaping UK Naturism into the community that we see today. Protecting the legacy of such institutions is central to the objectives of British Naturism as it secures naturist community assets to be enjoyed by future generations.

The opportunity to take over the ownership and running of the Sunfolk site was a responsibility that British Naturism could not ignore and meant that the trustees of The Sun-Folk Society could step back from their active management roles, knowing that the future of the site was in safe hands and that they could continue to enjoy the place they had built and loved. Situated in How Wood, near St Albans, Sunfolk is a charming site that simply needed some new energy invested to upgrade and develop the site to make it into something truly special.

How did BN acquire Sunfolk?

BN acquired Sunfolk from The Sun Folk Society, who had operated the site as a landed naturist club since its foundation in the 1930s. The trustees of The Sun Folk Society felt that they might not be able to support the long-term future of the site for naturist use for a variety of reasons and offered BN the chance to acquire the site as a result.

BN acquired Sunfolk site in March 2019 for £1 plus legal and other acquisition costs. As part of the acquisition agreement, BN has an obligation to ensure that the site and proceeds from it are used for the furtherance of naturism

Why does Sunfolk need to be developed?

The Sun Folk Society created a great space for naturism and made many improvements to the site during their period of ownership, most recently adding the covered pool we enjoy today. However, as more guests visit the site and stay for longer periods and to enjoy different activities we need to be sure that the site has the facilities that they will need and expect. For example, more overnight visitors mean that it is important to create additional washroom facilities, to create spaces for caravans and motor homes, and to provide additional indoor space for when the weather isn't too great!

Why is the Sunfolk project important?

The project allows British Naturism to secure the future of a naturist site with huge cultural significance, heritage and importance in the development of UK naturism. In addition, it allows Sunfolk to become a key venue for research into naturism, and allow us to build on our media presence. Already Sunfolk has been visited by BBC World Service, Channel Four, and Channel Five amongst many others. 

By redeveloping the site into a gold-standard leisure facility it will show off Naturism in the best possible light. The British Naturism Archives will also be based on-site allowing academics and enthusiasts to use the facility for their own research and enjoyment.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Phase one of the project is already funded from our cash reserves and from the sale of our former HQ building in Northampton. Additional phases are planned including enhanced leisure facilities.

As a member-led volunteer organisation, we have been asked many times how members can get involved or donate to the project.

We want the leisure facilities at Sunfolk to be the best and for everyone who visits the site to come away feeling refreshed and energised.

Crowdfunding for this important part of our leisure offering is a tangible way for members to feel they have played their next part of the Sunfolk legacy.

How will the money be spent?

Next to the newly refurbished and expanded clubhouse, and between the swimming pool, we are creating a 'wet zone' leisure space featuring a hot-tub, sauna, outdoor shower and a seating area.

The area is built into the continuous run of decking that surrounds the clubhouse and provides consistent level access for our guests who may have different physical abilities.

This crowdfunder will allow us to purchase, install and maintain, a commercial-grade large hot tub with eco air source heat pump, an outdoor enclosed sauna and showers plus relaxing -post-spa seating area.