RESEARCHERS have begun studying the environmental impacts of Star Wars location shooting – over fears it may have disrupted a famous local woodland.

Puzzlewood near Coleford was an important set for Star Wars 'The Force Awakens' in 2014.

So if you were a Star Wars fan who caught sight of film crews descending on the Forest of Dean’s ancient site, then an Open University academic wants to hear from you.

Dr Rebecca Harrison of the OU’s Film and Media department is conducting a study called the “Environmental Impact of Filmmaking (EIF)”.

The project aims to help studios and filmmakers adopt more eco-friendly practices.

The Senior Lecturer in Film and Media wants people to do an online survey (eifproject.com) to help her investigate the impacts on nature and communities.

She highlights how the effects on flora and fauna can be huge from filming, and says: “I want to know what wildlife is disrupted when cameras and catering trucks move in.

“How people feel when roads are closed, or recreational sites closed off, and why the advantages of location shoots are always promoted in economic terms.

“I want to look beyond the headlines to understand how film shoots might become more environmentally friendly for plants, animals, and people.”

She wants to hear from residents, councillors, filmmakers, or anyone else affected by site closures during the Star Wars shoot, such as bird watchers, business owners, dog walkers, or teenagers who used the site as a hang out.

Dr Harrison added: “There’s a short, five-minute version of the survey with multiple-choice questions, or a longer one for people with more to say.”

The woodland is one of 14 sites she is visiting in the UK.

“It’s clear there are economic advantages to allowing location shoots – but we need to make sure they’re managed in a way that suits communities and protects the habitats of our increasingly endangered wildlife,” she adds.