Bybrook Nature Reserve takes starring role as local film and TV actor Alexander Arnold returns home to film directorial debut

Bybrook Nature Reserve takes starring role as local film and TV actor Alexander Arnold returns home to film directorial debut in Kennington, Ashford, Kent on Saturday 11 January.

Film & TV star Alexander Arnold chose to return to north Ashford where he grew up for his directorial debut film ‘11+’. Arnold chose to shoot key scenes at the Bybrook Nature Reserve in the Bockhanger ward of Kennington in north Ashford.

Alexander Arnold grew up in Ashford, Kent and had his breakout role at the age of 17 in E4's BAFTA winning series Skins. Since then, he has appeared in numerous films and TV series. His TV work includes Poldark and Save Me. His film work includes David Brent: Life on The Road, The Beatles themed musical comedy, Yesterday, as well as The Outpost (Millennium). Recently he has been seen in the scuba diving shark thriller The Last Breath.

‘11+’ will mark his first narrative short film as writer-director. 11+ is the story of two eleven-year-olds Louis and Jordan. In the summer of 2002, the two best friends embark on what might be their final adventure together before heading off to different secondary schools. You can support the film and learn more about it on its website.

Diccon Spain, Ashford Borough Council Councillor for Bockhanger ward in north Ashford and committee member of the Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve, said: “We [The Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve] were delighted to host the cast and crew of Alexander Arnold’s directorial debut short film 11+ at the Bybrook Nature Reserve in Nine Acres, Kennington on Saturday 11 January. As well as scenes shot on the nature reserve the film also features scenes on the Skyway (Skybridge) between Eureka Park and Sainsburys, and at the Spearpoint Recreation Ground, Kennington.”

Cllr Diccon Spain also said: “It was great to see the talented cast and crew in action. Watching them craft the film in real time as a team was a privilege. Thanks to Alex for bringing this production, including many local creatives from Kent, to film this in and around Bockhanger and Kennington. We very much look forward to welcoming residents to Bybrook Nature Reserve to see what attracted Alexander Arnold to shoot his film at the reserve and to see where the scenes were shot.”

Alexandar Arnold is one of four filmmakers from Screen Ashford’s Short Film Competition, an initiative by Ashford Borough Council and regional film agency Screen South, designed to spotlight and showcase local filmmakers. The other three winners filming around Ashford are:

Notification: Norah and Jeremy have recently moved to Ashford. Jeremy doesn't read the news at all. Norah does, a lot. A heartfelt exploration of when we can't switch off in an “always-on” digital age. Written by Nadia Nadif, directed by Tamer Akeil, produced by Joyce Veheary and Natasha Markou, co-produced by Evelyn Sharples.

Lost Toys: two lost-toys - Flick and Starr - travel across the streets of Ashford in an intense battle to win their owners affection. Written by Jake Thompson, directed by Morgan O’Callaghan and produced by Tim Arnold.

Esc.: In a world where everyone is glued to a screen, discontented Clive rediscovers a forgotten passion when he finally looks up - but it’s the support from some unlikely friends that brings his dream to life. Written by Christian Azzola and Bex Harvey, directed by Christian Azzola, produced by Syd Heather and Danny Eycott.

They were selected for their creative, unique proposals and intriguing perspectives, present shining examples of the incredible array of talent in the Ashford region, underscoring the significance of programme like Screen Ashford in providing a launchpad for emerging filmmakers to achieve recognition in the screen industry.

Jo Nolan, Managing Director, Screen South, said: "The Screen Ashford Short Film Competition has been absolutely instrumental in showcasing the diverse range of creative voices in Ashford and the surrounding community.”

Chris Dixon, Arts & Cultural Industries Manager, Ashford Borough Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting local creative talent, and to encourage more filmmaking to take place in Ashford. We can’t wait to see and show the final films, as well as help each filmmaker in the next stage of their career.”

The short films will be shown at The Ashford Cinema in Spring 2025.

Screen South are the delivery organisation for Screen Ashford, a programme funded by Ashford Council as part of their UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation to support the Creative Industry Digital & Screen. Screen Ashford Short Film Competition is just one example of Screen Ashford’s commitments to fostering and showcasing talent within the Ashford Community. Head to the Screen Ashford website to find out more. You can also read more about the Short Film Competition on our website.  

Bybrook Nature Reserve’s has open mornings the third Saturday of each month. For details check the website or Facebook page.