Star Wars: Filming for second TV series Andor cancelled amid risk of landslips and rockfalls

April 20, 2023

Filming for the second series of Star Wars TV spin-off Andor in Dorset has been cancelled due to safety concerns.

Scenes for the Disney+ channel were due to be shot at Winspit Quarry close to Worth Matravers, a picturesque village on the Isle of Purbeck peninsula in Dorset, where the first series was filmed in May 2021.

The National Trust, which owns the site, said plans to film had been cancelled due to "safety concerns" following recent "turbulent weather" in the area.

Winspit Quarry served as the headquarters for Saw Gerrera, featured in the eighth episode of the sci-fi series, according to DorsetLive.

A National Trust spokesperson said: "The planned filming due to take place at Winspit Quarry has been cancelled due to safety concerns following the recent turbulent weather, which has increased the risk of rockfalls and landslips.

"Visitors looking to explore the Dorset coast are advised to follow signs and keep out of unsafe areas until further surveys have been undertaken."

The coast and cliffs along the stretch of the coast, including the quarry, can be unstable and naturally liable to landslips and falls - in particular after extreme weather including heavy rainfall and hot dry spells, the National Trust said.

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National Trust general manager for the Isle of Purbeck, Tracey Churcher, added: "We urge people to take the time to read warning signs and follow the instructions so they can enjoy the coast safely.

"People should always stay well back from the cliff and rock edges, whether on or below them, and we ask people not to visit Winspit Quarry until our experts are confident it is safe to visit again."

The filming was cancelled a week after the Met Office issued a yellow warning for strong winds reaching up to 70mph across southern England including the Dorset coastline.

England had its wettest March in more than 40 years, with 111.3mm of rain - 91% above average - falling over the month.

Disney has been approached for comment.

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