New Forest - Filming and Photography Permits
Visitors and residents are welcome to take photographs for their own personal (non-commercial) or educational use without being charged or requiring our permission.
The New Forest is a rare and sensitive protected landscape, being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, RAMSAR and National Park. As a result of this, we are legally required to ensure that any permissible activities or events will cause no significant harm or impact to these rare habitats and wildlife. These requirements mean that we only permit very limited filming and commercial photography in the New Forest, such as documentary filming or television news stories for scientific or educational purposes. Commercial filming and student filming is not currently permitted. Commercial photography can be permitted in limited circumstances, such as wedding photography, but with handheld equipment only.
Where permission can be given the permit charges and terms and conditions for commercial photography and filming vary and we ask people to get in touch and complete an application form as a permission must be obtained before filming starts.
We are working on offering alternative woodlands for filming and will update our website later this year with more information.
Why do we charge for permission?
The charges we apply help to cover the costs of administration and support we give to production companies and photographers during and after their filming, to ensure the best locations are found and their production goes as safely and smoothly as possible. We are a non-profit making organisation and money raised from permission fees go towards helping us to look after the unique environment in which the event is held.
Why can’t you issue permission quickly?
We need sufficient time to go through the correct process and make sure all relevant consultations have been carried out.
Apply for a permit
To apply for a permit for the New Forest and find out more about costs involved please contact us by email at southern.permissions@forestryengland.uk
Commercial filming enquiries in South England
For all other commercial filming enquiries for the South District, please contact our Filming and Events Manager, Caroline Wright and our Filming Ranger, Verity Lavender, by email at southern.filming@forestryengland.uk
