Locals complain Amazon's Lord of the Rings set is 'damaging' Crown Estate forest

29 April 2023 , 19:17

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The Lord of the Rings filmset in Swinley Forest, where trees have been chopped down (Image: JAKE REED)

Woodland owned by King Charles is being damaged by filming of Amazon’s Lord of the Rings series, say campaigners.

The Rings of Power blockbuster – starring Morfydd Clark as Orc-slaying Galadriel – is being filmed in the 2,500 acre Swinley Forest in Berkshire.

With a rumoured budget of £800million, the fantasy series is the costliest ever.

But locals fear production is harming the wildlife. Drone pictures show a huge castle built on a muddy clearing.

Gill Cheetham, of Bracknell Forest Society, said: “Local environmental groups are disappointed that damage to the fragile ecosystem is being allowed.”

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Residents are also concerned. One, Rob Francis, said online: “Love a bit of filming, but they had better leave it in a decent state when it’s over.”

The Rings of Power series is based on JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings (AMAZON PRIME)

Marina Ruette said: “They’ve trashed the site!”

Amazon’s film crews can film in the green belt area until August, with permission for up to 150 vehicles.

A planning report said that “negative effects are almost inevitable” regarding damage to insects like bees, sawflies and ants and at least one conifer was earmarked for removal.

Crews must follow measures, such as using marked walking routes. Swinley Forest is part of the £15.5billion Crown Estate, which says there will be “no long-term impact”.

The show is being filmed at Swinley Forest in Berkshire (JAKE REED)

The Rings of Power series is based on JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Amazon said 100 million people watched the first season last year. Season two is due out in 2024.

It is also filmed in New Zealand where Amazon has been accused of high carbon emissions and waste.

A memo from the Rings of Power sustainability team leaked to The Guardian said: “The environmental impact of this industry, and of this show, is enormous.”

The fantasy series has a rumoured budget of £800million

Amazon, which aims to be net-zero by 2040, did not respond to a request for comment.

The Crown Estate says it is working with Amazon to save important habitats and species.

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A spokesperson added: “This is a commercial pine forest. The area was cropped a couple of years ago as part of the normal forestry cycle and will be replanted by the forestry team – again as part of this cycle.”

Ben Turner