The world of Star Wars may be set in a galaxy far, far, away, but its filming locations are very much a part of planet Earth.
The mega movie franchise has drawn the ire of environmental and wildlife conversation groups in Ireland due to the production's presence in several remote islands.
The Guardian reports that An Taisce, the national trust of Ireland, has slammed the country's government for allowing film crews to shoot on a remote coastal island. Skellige Michael, as its known, is a UNESCO world heritage site brimming with rare bird species like puffins, peregrine falcons and guillemots.
Entertainment Weekly describes it as:
'A sharp cluster of rocks rising 715 feet out of the sea, wearing a coat of lush vegetation wherever the land is flat enough to take root.'
It also contains the remains of a small monastery that dates back to the twelfth century.
Only 180 people per day are allowed to visit Skellige Michael in closely monitored tour groups. The Guardian's report says that though the film crew only has a headcount of roughly a 100, helicopters will be used for filming which may disrupt the island's bird population.
Several scenes from the upcoming The Force Awakens were filmed at the location, while its sequel - director Rian Johnson's still untitled Episode VIII - is also planning to use it as a backdrop.
Irish minister of Arts Heather Humphreys said in a statement earlier this year that bringing Star Wars to Ireland would be a huge boon to the country.
"The return of Star Wars to Sceilg Mhichíl is another win for Ireland and the Irish film industry, which is a growing and dynamic sector of our economy. Later this year, when the latest Stars Wars film is released, the incredible beauty of Sceilg Mhichíl will be brought to hundreds of millions of cinema goers across the world." She said in her statement.
