The nation's forests provide filmmakers with a diverse range of locations to shoot in
We offer every type of woodland and forest setting you could need, from wooded valleys to rocky mountains and wide open spaces. Hidden away in the forests are old buildings, bridges, quarries, rock faces, rivers, lakes, ponds and rolling landscapes as well as stunning panoramic vistas.
Our filming sites also have ample parking for unit bases and are within a commutable distance from London and other regional film hubs.
Iconic forests in the south
With backdrops to suit any woodland setting from the popular Bourne Woods bowl to the mystical ambiance of Redlands, the nation's forests in the south area cover Dorset, Hampshire and parts of Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and West Sussex.
With proximity to major London studios explore the features of 8 of our key sites.
Open Robin Hood-type forests
These landscapes are typically mature or open broadleaf forest (for example, oak, birch, and ash trees), often consisting of beech trees. They have little or no ground vegetation, allowing for free and open movement through the trees.
With 600 acres of unrivalled outdoor space, Westonbirt is diverse shooting location. It houses formality in the Old Arboretum as well as natural woodland in Silk Wood, you won't be short of filming opportunities!
North American-type pine forests
These forest types are predominantly coniferous. This means that, on a small scale, they can pass for a North American scene. These landscapes include redwood groves and mature Douglas fir crops.
Film at Thetford Forest for a vibrant and rich pine woodland.
Eastern European-type pine forests
This type of landscape is great for filmmakers who are looking for an Eastern European type of forest. This is due to the dense and mature, or semi-mature, pine or spruce forest.
Mountainous landscapes
These locations are predominantly set from viewpoints or high level forest roads with views onto or out of the forest. This includes sweeping forests with mountains beyond, or steep conifer hillsides.
Water features
These landscapes consist of wooded valleys with open stream sides along with rocky outcrops in the forest, swamps, ponds and lakes, and marshy or boggy areas amongst trees.
Devastated forests
These are devastated areas of fire sites, windblow, recently harvested and cleared areas. These locations also include quarries, rocky outcrops, and deeply rutted, muddy rides. They are also useful backdrops for films that require weird, spooky or unnatural looking forest areas, including old yew trees. There are also a number of locations that could be enhanced to pass as a jungle.
Man-made features
There are a variety of man-made structures in our forests, such as:
- buildings (including old, derelict buildings in rural locations).
- yards and barns.
- bridges, tunnels and dams.
- gravel roads.
- fire towers.
Key contacts
If you're interested in filming with us please contact our National Locations Manager, Philippa, at philippa.sutcliffe@forestryengland.uk.
For South District enquiries please contact
Caroline Wright – Filming and Events Manager at southern.filming@forestryengland.uk
This includes Bourne Wood, Alice Holt visitors centre, Moors Valley visitors centre and Buryhills and Redlands woods.
Media enquiries
Visit our media enquiries page.
Non commercial and drone permits
Contact your local forest office.
