Research Commences on Environmental Impact of Star Wars Filming in Woodland

Researchers have initiated a study into the environmental impacts of Star Wars location filming within a Gloucestershire woodland. Puzzlewood, situated in the Forest of Dean, served as a significant filming site for Star Wars: The Force Awakens over a decade ago. The Open University’s Environmental Impact of Filming project is seeking accounts, both positive and negative, from individuals who resided and worked in the vicinity at the time. The project aims to assist studios and filmmakers in adopting more eco-friendly production practices. Dr. Rebecca Harrison, the lead academic on the project, clarified that the study is interested in all aspects of people’s filming experiences. She stated that the study was “really interested” in the filmmakers’ impact upon the surrounding area, whether they had affected different communities, whether nature or wildlife had been impacted, as well as what differences people noticed while the shoot was going on. Dr. Harrison indicated that the objective is to “try and help other filmmakers to find better, more sustainable ways of working in the future”. This Gloucestershire site is among 14 locations across the UK that Dr. Harrison is examining, though she noted that each location presents unique factors. She elaborated: “For the area around Puzzlewood, [we’re looking to hear from] people who couldn’t get there to visit the forest or felt that they were shut out of a space they enjoyed.” She continued, “It could be people who were working on agricultural land nearby, dog walkers, people looking at nature – anyone and everyone who has observed something about filming, I’m interested in speaking to.” She further stated: “One of the areas we are particularly interested in is wildlife. Even the tiniest bit of disruption can lead to habitat loss. We’re really keen to make sure that we’re not losing any more for the excitement of seeing locations on screen.” Initial feedback from the study also highlighted a distinction between urban and rural settings. Dr. Harrison commented: “In a lot of the more rural locations, things went quite well. “But in towns we have sometimes had a few people saying – it was a bit frustrating, roads were closed, we couldn’t get kids to school – it’s been quite mixed depending on the place where filming has happened.” This investigation into filming locations represents the fourth and concluding research component of the project, following the prior completion of studies focused on Star Wars props and costumes.