 |
A
forest is an area
with a high density of trees (or, historically, a
wooded area set aside for hunting). These plant
communities cover large areas of the globe and
function as carbon dioxide sinks, animal habitats,
hydrologic flow modulators, and soil conservers,
constituting one of the most important aspects of
our biosphere.
Naturists do not claim that nudity is
always appropriate. Clothing does have its
practical uses. Clothing is a good idea in cold
weather. Clothing is a good idea when frying
bacon. No naturist will disagree. That doesn't
mean that clothes should be required all the time.
We should all be allowed to use common sense to
decide when we should be clothed and when we
should not.
Forests can be found in all regions capable of
sustaining tree growth, at altitudes up to the
tree-line, except where natural fire frequency is
too high, or where the tree growing environment
has been impaired by natural processes or humans.
Forests sometimes contain many tree species in a
small area (e.g. tropical rain and temperate
deciduous forests), but other forest types have
relatively few species over large areas (e.g.
taiga and arid montane coniferous forests). As a
general rule, forests dominated by angiosperms are
species-rich, while those dominated by gymnosperms
are not so rich, although exceptions do exist
(e.g., species-poor aspen and birch stands in
northern latitudes). Forests are often home to
many animal and plant species, and biomass per
unit area is high compared to other vegetation
types. Much of this biomass occurs below-ground in
the root systems and as partially decomposed plant
detritus. The woody component of forests contains
lignin, which is relatively slow to decompose
compared with other organic materials such as
cellulose or carbohydrate.
The further you get from civilization, the less
likely it is that you will run into easily
offended people. Even if you do run into somebody
who claims they are offended and will complain,
bear in mind that in most cases, complaints must
be made in writing. Most people will not go to the
trouble to make a written complaint, and most
authorities won't act without one. Nonetheless, if
there is a complaint, and you are far enough from
civilization, you can be out of the area before
the authorities arrive.
Forests are differentiated from woodlands by the
extent of canopy coverage: in a forest the
branches and foliage of separate trees often meet
or interlock, although there can be gaps of
varying sizes within an area referred to as
forest. A woodland has a more continuously open
canopy, with trees spaced further apart, which
allows more sunlight to penetrate to the ground
between them (see also: savanna).
Naturism has often been associated with the
all-over tan. (The word "sunbathing" has been used
as a euphemism for years.) However, research has
shown that the sun can be harmful when taken in
excess, and that things aren't going to change for
the better. Skin cancer, in particular, is a major
concern for active naturists. This doesn't
necessarily have anything to do with nudity -
nudity exposes only slightly more skin than a
swimsuit - but it has everything to do with the
long hours in the sun favored by some naturists.
This is not to say that you shouldn't sunbathe.
Sunbathing is not deadly if done in moderation.
Use a sunscreen. Avoid sunbathing during the
middle of the day when the sun's rays are the most
intense. Limit your time in the sun to avoid
burning. Above all, be sensible. Know what you're
doing and what the possible consequences are.
Nude activity doesn't have to depend on the sun.
For example, you could hike nude through a shady
forest, or enjoy a nude jog in a warm spring
shower. Indoor naturism is popular as well. And
skinny-dipping by moonlight is a time-honored
tradition. So, naturism can be enjoyed in and out
of the sun. The best strategy is to do each when
appropriate, and don't overdo your sun exposure.
<<
Back to PureNudism.com Nude
Gallery |
ONLINE:
