Permits for filming, photography and drones
Anyone can take photographs with cameras and phones in the nation’s forests for fun, to share and for personal use.
If you wish to use any of the woods and forests we manage for commercial filming or photography, you must first apply for a permit. To find out more about what the nations forest have to offer filmmakers please visit our Filming in the forest page.
All use of drones must have our permission.
We usually need at least 8 weeks to thoroughly consider your application, so leave plenty of time to apply. The lead-in time may vary depending on location so please check with the local team.
Application and permit costs
The application and permit may be free, have a charge to cover our costs or have a full commercial charge. Where appropriate we will charge for the application and for the filming / photography itself.
The income from permissions goes directly to caring for our woodlands and managing any impact, such as additional wear and tear, to ensure they are still there to be used for events and activities in the future.
Why you need a permit
The nation’s forests are popular destinations, a working environment and home to some of the country’s rarest wildlife. The woodlands provide diverse locations with every type of forest setting you could need. It's not surprising that many people want to film and photograph in these great locations.
We need to balance the needs and safety of all our visitors, wildlife conservation and sustainable timber production while protecting our woodlands for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and trees to thrive.
Drones
We believe most people visiting a forest expect a peaceful experience and would not appreciate unlimited drone use, so we strictly limit people flying drones to where we believe there will be a benefit to the forests.
Reasons might include scientific research, producing stunning video that people will appreciate, or controlled recreational events. For this reason, any use of drones must have our permission.
How to apply for a permit
To get started, simply contact the relevant email address below and to help us process your enquiry more efficiently, you should include the following information in your email:
- An outline of your proposal for filming, photography or drone use.
- Details of your organisation or group (if applicable) including contact details.
- Proposed date and location (the more specific, the better).
- A copy of your risk assessment and relevant Public Liability Insurance
North England
enquiries.northengland@forestryengland.uk
Yorkshire
yorkshire.FDO@forestryengland.uk
Central England
central.district@forestryengland.uk
East England
Kent and East Sussex (including Bedgebury): bedgebury@forestryengland.uk
Thames Chase and the Chilterns (including Wendover): jill.mead@forestryengland.uk
Thetford and the Sandlings (including High Lodge): enquiries.eastfd@forestryengland.uk
West England
North = Worcestershire (including Wyre Forest), Shropshire, Warwickshire : northpermissions.westengland@forestryengland.uk
Central = Forest of Dean and Herefordshire: centralpermissions.westengland@forestryengland.uk
South = Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol and Mendips: southpermissions.westengland@forestryengland.uk
South England
Southern.Permissions@forestryengland.uk
Westonbirt = Westonbirt@forestryengland.uk
