Belgian nude beach blocked on fears sexual activity could spook wildlife

Wildlife agency says 'subsidiary activities' in the dunes would scare off rare lark

The Belgian Naturism Federation has come to the defence of its burgeoning membership after the Flemish wildlife agency blocked an application for a second nudist beach in the country on the grounds that bathers' "subsidiary activities" would pose a threat to a rare bird.

Attempts to gain designated naturist status for a quiet spot near Westende, about 12 miles south of the popular seaside resort of Ostende, hit a snag after objections were raised that sexual activity in the dunes would scare off the locally treasured crested lark, or Galerida cristata.