Filming and Photography on nature reserves
Our reserves have it all - from rolling downland to beautiful wetlands and bluebell-carpeted woodlands.
The wild places we look after are an inspiring backdrop for photography and filming and we are delighted to help with any enquiries.
If you are interested in taking commercial photographs or filming on one of our reserves, please contact us via our webform and one of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
Please note that drone use is restricted on our nature reserves. Find out more here.
News and radio
For broadcast news and media interviews on location, please contact our Communications Team.
Taking pictures for personal use
Taking photographs or filming wildlife and our wild places with a handheld camera for private, non-commercial use is welcome on Sussex Wildlife Trust’s reserves - do tag us in on social media if you share it!
Photographs or footage taken must not be used to earn money, promote business or given to photography libraries or agencies without our permission.
We welcome responsible filming and photography - please follow The Wildlife Trust's guidance.
Filming on nature reserves
Our unique locations provide incredible backdrops for professional photoshoots, film locations or features for television programmes.
It is vital that we minimise any disturbance to wildlife or wild places, and many filming events require additional time and support from our colleagues. We therefore charge a location fee for most commercial filming.
The money raised from location fees helps to support conservation work across Sussex, continuing our work looking after nature and landscape for generations to come.
All filming and commercial photography at places in our care takes place under contract.
Timescales
We require a minimum on four weeks notice to consider an application to film on our nature reserves. Please be aware, if filming on a SSSI or SPA site, it is worth noting that Natural England can take up to three months to approve.
Sussex Wildlife Trust location fees
| Type of Filming | Half Day Price (+VAT) | Full Day Price (+VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| News and current affairs and amateur or non-commercial photography (related to wildlife and Sussex Wildlife Trust work) | No charge | No charge |
| Student, charity or amateur videos | Donation only | Donation only |
| Documentaries, short films and educational material (or news and current affairs filming not related to wildlife or our work) | £250 | £500 |
| Music videos, commercials, fashion shoots and other commercial photography and corporate videos | £750 | £1500 |
| TV dramas, reality shows or entertainment | £750 | £1500 |
| Feature Films *All prices depend on specific requirements and cast and crew numbers |
Minimum £1500 | Minimum £3000 |