Stunning nature reserve provides perfect backdrop for new Hollywood blockbuster.
5 min read
How do you recreate the ancient Mediterranean for the next Hollywood film? RSPB Culbin Sands reserve features in The Odyssey, an adaptation of the Ancient Greek epic which shows the journey of the Greek king Odysseus and his perilous journey home from the Trojan War.
The producers were looking for a remote, beautiful beach location, with no obvious visible signs of human development.
Culbin Sands is a 15km stretch of remote coastline, so it was perfect. Site Manager Steph Elliott says:
The lack of human artifacts was what really attracted the production team. Culbin Sands includes an enormous shingle spit as well as beautiful sand dune systems and is a really special place for nature. We’ve been working hard to make sure these important coastal features are preserved and enhanced. They help deal with the consequences of climate change as well as providing a home for wildlife.”
“The coastal habitat is also very important for wading birds such as Oystercatchers and Bar-tailed Godwits. The fact the site is rarely visited by people makes it a safe place for those birds to roost and feed in the winter. We worked directly with the location team to make sure no wildlife was disturbed. The footage was filmed in the summer after the breeding season was over, and before the wintering birds had returned. We also checked a few days before film, to ensure there were no disturbance issues. The film’s location manager was also very keen not to harm to the local wildlife.
“It’s a remote place where wildlife is protected from human disturbance. It’s home to the UK’s smallest butterfly, the Small Blue.”
“My team have all spent so much time on the reserve and have come to really appreciate the sense of isolation once you get out onto the dunes and the shingle spit. We’re very curious about how it will look in the film. The weather may not be Mediterranean on site very often, but we’re sure Culbin Sands will turn out to be one of the stars of the movie.”
The film was directed by Christopher Nolan and stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland.
Culbin Sands is a remote, windswept reserve with no visitor facilities, which is why it was perfect for its supporting role. It’s not an easy place to visit, so for a great views of wintering birds in the area, we’d recommend visiting the RSPB’s birdwatching hide at Udale Bay on the Black Isle.
Culbin Sands is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a Special Protection Area (SPA), and Special Area of Conservation (SPA) and a Ramsar site.
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Spend a while watching the big flocks of migrating Wigeons gathering to feed on Eelgrass or watch Ospreys fishing in the bay.
