A down-on-its-luck deer has been spotted trying to enter a fenced-off section of Swinley Forest which was closed off in preparation for potential filming at the site.
Resident Ingrid Harris spotted the forest-inhabitant searching for a way into the restricted area in the days before the barriers were taken down.
She told the News: “The deer approached the fence, obviously wanting to get into the area – it looked at the base of the fence and around then walked alongside the fence, repeatedly looking in.
Buttersteep Rise in Ascot could be used as a filming site if plans are approved
“The area has now been cleared, but this footage of an animal, very confused by being unable to access the area is evidence, if ever there was, of the impact of such a development on the wildlife in that area of the forest."
READ MORE: Why work has already started at site set to be used for filming in Swinley Forest
As reported by the News earlier this month, the fences were put by the Crown Estate at Buttersteep Rise in preparation for the site’s use in filming for an undisclosed television series.
A planning application has been lodged to use the section of Swinley Forest for a period of up to 12 months but has not yet been granted.
Work started on the site at the beginning of the month regardless of the lack of permission as the Crown Estate said it needed to clear immature crop from the area before the bird-nesting season begins.
Bridgerton film set Buttersteep Rise
The Estate did not need planning permission to perform this work, which was fenced off in order to protect walkers and their dogs.
READ MORE: TV film set at Swinley Forest could harm birds, organisation says
Should planning permission be granted, the temporary film set will be constructed on-site and filming will take place later in the year.
Bracknell Forest Council is still considering the application, which has attracted a huge amount of interest from residents and those further afield, too.
So far, 62 objections have been sent to the authority, including one from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, which claimed the plans could harm birds.
But 39 letters of support have also been sent the council’s way.
The deer was unable to enter the restricted area in Swinley Foresst
READ MORE: Opposition to potential film set in Swinley Forest builds
Of these 39 supportive comments, most appear to originate from addresses outside Bracknell Forest, including London, High Wycombe and Leeds.
Full details of the plan can be found by entering planning reference 20/01063/FUL at planapp.bracknell-forest.gov.uk
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