Filming in Wealden: permits and fees
Wealden District Council manages filming across the East Sussex district, coordinating access from Ashdown Forest to Herstmonceux Castle and the Pevensey Levels.
Who issues permits
Wealden District Council handles filming on council-managed land, public spaces, and highways within the district. The district contains some of East Sussex’s most significant filming locations, each under different management: Ashdown Forest is managed by the Ashdown Forest Board, Herstmonceux Castle is operated by Queen’s University (Canada), and Pevensey Castle is an English Heritage property.
Process
Contact the council for district highway and public land filming. Allow four weeks; longer for road closures on the A22 or A267. Ashdown Forest has its own filming application process through the Ashdown Forest Board — the conservators are protective of the heathland and require environmental impact assessments for any significant production. For Pevensey Castle, apply directly to English Heritage. For Herstmonceux Castle, contact the castle’s events team directly.
Fees
Council filming fees are set on application. Ashdown Forest charges a per-day filming fee with a deposit for environmental mitigation. English Heritage sets day rates for commercial filming at Pevensey Castle. Herstmonceux Castle negotiates location fees individually.
What’s covered
Wealden district parks, car parks, and public open spaces. Town and village streets within the district (Crowborough, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield). Ashdown Forest heathland and access areas (via Ashdown Forest Board). The Pevensey Levels and coastal zones. Council buildings and civic spaces.
Typical restrictions
Ashdown Forest is a Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation — drone filming requires Natural England consultation and the Forest Board’s approval. The forest also has a strict bylaw regime including restrictions on commercial activities. Pevensey Castle is closed to filming on English Heritage event days and during peak visitor season without substantial notice. The A22 and A267 carry significant commuter traffic; road closures require extensive advance planning.
Contact
- Email: info@wealden.gov.uk
- Web: wealden.gov.uk
Apply via Wealden District Council → wealden.gov.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- Wealden District Council issues filming permits for its area. Applications go through the council's filming / events team — not the local parks department or police, although those may also be consulted.
- How long is the lead time?
- Allow at least 28 working days. Complex applications involving road closures, drone use, or multiple locations need more — plan 2–4 weeks ahead where possible.
- What's the typical cost?
- Wealden District Council quotes filming fees case-by-case based on scale, duration, and public-realm impact. Small documentary crews are often charged an admin fee only; feature-film shoots involving road closures cost meaningfully more.
- What does this permit cover?
- The permit typically covers streets, parks, civic buildings. Private property and other national-body land (e.g. Crown Estate, National Trust, Royal Parks) may need separate consent.
- How do I apply?
- Apply via Wealden District Council's filming page at https://www.wealden.gov.uk. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.