The Lord of the Ring's filming site located within Swinley Forest has seen backlash after drone images were released of the latest construction.

Buttersteep Rise, earmarked for a prime filming location in 2021 has seen many production companies use the piece of forest as a perfect filming location.

However, some concerned residents have pointed out that the destruction of many wildlife habitats and rare trees has been detrimental to the area. 

Pictures show a small section of the filming site used for the construction of a castle, however much of the land looks like a barren muddy clearing.

One local resident, Rob Francis said: “Love a bit of filming, but they had better leave it in a decent state when it’s over.”

The filming of The Witches which was shot at Virginia Water was apparently ‘absolutely trashed and ‘all for a couple of minutes of screen time’.

Another reader said after the images were released: “They have trashed the site!”

Swinley Forest is thought to be an ideal location for filming due to its proximity to London and hundreds of acres of landscape.

Despite the fears, The Crown Estate, has said that following completion of filming they will be working with the production company to fully restore the area of woodland being used. This will also include the creation of new habitats.

A spokesperson for the estate said: “We continue to work closely with the production company to keep any disruption to a minimum, including maintaining as much permissive access as we can throughout the forest, while ensuring all forest visitors remain safe.”

They have made clear that the particular area of Buttersteep Forest had previously been felled as part of routine forestry work.