Langford Lakes nature reserve. Credit: Ralph Harvey.
A guide to filming and photography on our reserves
Introduction
Our nature reserves have it all – from wildflower-rich hay meadows, sweeping chalk grassland landscapes and peaceful bluebell-carpeted woodlands, to our rare wetland habitats.
Many of our reserves also lie close to historical points of interest, from the old Roman road, fifth century Wansdyke and the Cherhill monument close to our Morgan’s Hill nature reserve, to the wartime military airfield at Blakehill Farm nature reserve. Not forgetting, of course, the famous stone circle at Stonehenge close to our Langford Lakes nature reserve, and the lesser-known but equally impressive Avebury henge and stone circles.
These places in our care can be an inspiring backdrop for photography and filming and we are happy 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.
If you suspect filming is happening without permission or is disturbing wildlife during breeding or winter feeding times, please send all evidence and information to reserves@wiltshirewildlife.org.
Please note that drone use is restricted on our reserves. Find out more below.
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 Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s reserves - do tag us in on social media if you share it! We also welcome submissions from amateur photographers to our annual Wild Snaps competition.
Photographs or footage taken must not be used to earn money, promote business or given to photography libraries or agencies without our permission. The same applies to any commercial activity on our nature reserves.
We welcome responsible filming and photography for personal use - please follow The Wildlife Trust's guidance for wildlife photography, stick to paths and ensure wildflowers are not trampled.
News and radio
For broadcast news and media interviews on location, please contact the team at comms@wiltshirewildlife.org
Commercial filming or photography
Our unique locations provide incredible backdrops for professional photoshoots, documentary or film locations, or features for television programmes.
Our first priority is always to protect the wildlife that call our reserves home. It is vital that we minimise any disturbance to wildlife or wild places, so we consider every request to use one of our nature reserves on its individual circumstances.
Many filming events require additional time and support from our colleagues. We therefore charge an admin fee upfront, plus a location fee on a case-by-case basis for most commercial filming or other commercial activity. The money raised from location fees helps to support our vital conservation and wellbeing work across Wiltshire.
Location fees vary according to length of filming, e.g. day/half day rates, and the nature of the enterprise. Staff support (if available), exclusive access and closure of the reserve incur additional charges and cannot be guaranteed. Please note: Night-time filming and requests for fires are never granted permission.
All filming and commercial photography at places in our care takes place under contract; proof of public liability insurance and a completed risk assessment is required.
Using a drone
Drone flying from or over Wiltshire Wildlife Trust land must have our permission in advance. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and we will only grant permission for fully licensed and insured drone pilots.
Please read our drone policy below before contacting us for permission.
Drone use on reserves which have special protection
Additional permission is needed from Natural England if you are flying a drone over protected landscapes, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) before this activity can take place. This would incur an additional admin charge and Natural England could take several weeks to approve drone flight requests.
Student projects
Student projects are welcome on our reserves and do not usually incur a charge, although donations are gratefully received. Sufficient notice must be given, and students must have adequate insurance and an agreement in place with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust before commencing any photography or filming on the reserve.