Pensioner left “confused” by sanitary products next to urinals as gender-critical campaigners slam heritage charity for “losing touch with reality and the law”
The National Trust has ignited a fierce row after placing free vegan tampons in the male toilets at one of Britain’s most cherished historic sites, prompting accusations the charity has misread landmark Supreme Court guidance on biological sex.
Male visitors to Sizergh Castle in the Lake District discovered a large complimentary tampon dispenser fixed to the wall beside urinals, emblazoned with the message: “Got your period? Don’t worry, we’ve got you.”
The installation, accompanied by a disposal bin featuring a male icon, left one 79-year-old visitor baffled. Speaking to The Telegraph, the pensioner said he initially questioned whether he had entered the wrong facility.
“Entering the male-only designated toilet, I was confused. Pads and tampons were provided, plus a male disposal bin,” he explained. “There was a female-only toilet nearby, and both male and female facilities were clearly marked with a male figure and a female figure, not unisex facilities.”
The pensioner added that the experience sparked considerable discussion with his wife and friends about the rationale behind placing menstrual products in male-designated spaces. “I think it needs explaining as to what this policy means,” he said.
Partnership With Sustainable Brand Fuels Controversy
The tampons are supplied by Dame, a sustainable period product brand which describes all its offerings as completely free from animal ingredients. In September, the National Trust announced its partnership with Dame would enable the charity “to deliver period dignity sensitively, sustainably and with a distinct aesthetic in keeping with our unique spaces”.
Dame claimed the complimentary tampon boxes had received positive feedback from visitors and staff whilst bolstering the National Trust’s commitment to inclusivity.
However, the move has provoked sharp criticism from gender-critical campaigners who argue the National Trust has fundamentally misunderstood April’s Supreme Court ruling.
“Lost Touch With Reality and the Law”
Maya Forstater, chief executive of Sex Matters, condemned the decision in scathing terms. “The member of staff who took the decision to put the tampons in the men’s toilets has lost touch with reality and the law,” she said.
Ms Forstater warned that encouraging “people of one sex into a space reserved for the other sets the scene for unlawful harassment of the people who are meant to be there”.
“If this National Trust site thinks its policy is progressive, it is deeply misguided,” she continued. “Authorising or approving people venturing into single-sex toilets for the opposite sex is not only against the law, but a violation of privacy and dignity.”
Supreme Court Ruling Sets New Legal Framework
In April 2025, the UK Supreme Court delivered a unanimous ruling that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex, meaning a person’s sex at birth. The landmark decision clarified that single-sex services for women, including toilets and changing facilities, can exclude trans women.
Lord Patrick Hodge, delivering the judgement, stated: “The provisions relating to sex discrimination can only be interpreted as referring to biological sex.”
The ruling came after campaign group For Women Scotland challenged Scottish Government guidance suggesting trans women with gender recognition certificates should be treated as women under equality legislation.
National Trust Defends “Inclusive” Approach
A National Trust spokesman defended the organisation’s position, citing the varied nature of its properties. Due to the variety of places in our care, including listed historic buildings and remote car parks, and the needs of different visitors, we don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to toilets,” the spokesman said.
“We try to accommodate the needs of all visitors by offering a variety of facilities and hygiene products.”
The spokesman emphasised the charity’s commitment to legal compliance. “We are committed to ensuring our policies and practices align with the recent Supreme Court judgement. We’re currently reviewing our existing policies to ensure compliance with the law and are awaiting the final EHRC guidance before finalising our approach.”
Political Figures Weigh In
The controversy has attracted attention from prominent political figures, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage posting on X: “The National Trust has put vegan tampons in men’s toilets. God help us.”
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding single-sex spaces following the Supreme Court’s April ruling. The Equality and Human Rights Commission is currently revising its code of practice to reflect the judgement’s implications for service providers.
The National Trust stressed that inclusivity remained a priority. “It remains a key priority for us to be an inclusive organisation where everyone who visits, volunteers and works feels welcome and respected at all times,” the spokesman added.
Sizergh Castle, a 14th-century fortified manor house near Kendal, attracts thousands of visitors annually to view its medieval architecture and extensive gardens.
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