Under Salt Marsh (2026)

Sky’s six-part crime drama Under Salt Marsh, created by Claire Oakley and produced by Little Door Productions, quickly became Sky’s biggest original drama launch since The Day of the Jackal, drawing 1.8 million viewers in its first seven days. But the series’ impact reaches far beyond the screen.

Set in the fictional town of Morfa Halen, North Wales and nestled between mountains and a fast-encroaching sea, the saltmarsh landscape is more than a backdrop. It sits at the heart of the story, highlighting what’s at stake when the environments we depend on are not protected.

Saltmarshes are vital ecosystems. They act as carbon sinks able to sequester carbon up to ten times faster than tropical forests, help protect coastal communities from flooding, and support rich biodiversity. Yet they’re often overlooked. Around half have already been lost globally, close to 85% in the UK, and they are disappearing three times faster than forests.

Landscape Tells the Story

Why is it effective?

01.

Turning storytelling into real-world impact

With Under Salt Marsh, Sky saw an opportunity to deliver impact across storytelling, production and community outcomes. While the series is a crime drama, its connection to nature and the way landscapes shape communities run through every part of the story. Reflecting this creative focus, sustainability was a core priority for Sky and Little Door Productions from the outset. In North Wales, where much of the show was filmed, Sky funded baseline research into local saltmarsh conditions and supported a new education resource on saltmarshes for 144 local schools. This work helped strengthen conservation efforts, contributing to a long-term commitment for saltmarsh restoration by the Welsh Government. In addition, as part of its sustainability plan, Little Door Productions donated to the North Wales Wildlife Trust to support its conservation work around saltmarshes.

02.

Building infrastructure that lasts

The production ran a fully electric fleet of unit cars and installed 13 permanent EV chargers across North Wales in partnership with The Full EV Company. The chargers will remain in place for local communities and future productions, more than doubling the available infrastructure in some areas. All generators and large technical vehicles ran on 100% HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel, eliminating diesel use and significantly cutting emissions.

03.

Reducing emissions on set

During production, a solar hybrid generator powered catering, reducing runtime by 82% compared with a traditional diesel generator. Reusable lunchboxes supported over 300 meals per day, with a no-beef policy and an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Battery-powered Mobile Power Units (MPUs) were also used widely across lighting and locations, reducing reliance on generators.

04.

Keeping materials in use

The show adopted a significant reuse and donation strategy for materials including costume items, timber and furniture.

05.

Connecting crews to the bigger picture

WWF and Sky also hosted an educational session for crew to build understanding of saltmarsh conservation and carbon absorption, aligned with the themes of the series. Subsequently, the series has been shortlisted for the Sustainable Production Award – TV at the Global Production Awards 2026.

Hear from the team

“Under Salt Marsh is a powerful example of how Sky brings together storytelling, sustainability and partnership to create impact on and off screen. The series places nature at the heart of the narrative, using drama to reflect the real risks facing our coastal environments, while the production itself championed sustainable filming practices in Wales. Through our long-standing partnership with WWF, we were able to connect the story audiences see with meaningful action on the ground - supporting education and conservation efforts for one of the UK’s most vital yet overlooked habitats. It shows how great television can entertain, inspire and help protect the places that shape our communities.”

Fiona Ball, Group Director of Bigger Picture and Sustainability at Sky

“From the outset at Little Door Productions, we wanted sustainability to be embedded across every aspect of the production. We were able to turn that ambition into something tangible, from the practical steps on set to the wider legacy we could help create through our donation to the North Wales Wildlife Trust”

Elwen Rowlands, CEO of Little Door Productions

“The UK’s saltmarshes remain critically undervalued and under threat, despite their importance to our communities, wildlife and our planet. Our partnership with Sky enables us to spotlight these vital ecosystems and inspire real-world action.”

Lisa Lee, Executive Director of Communications at WWF

Explore more

Under Salt Marsh is now available to watch on Sky and streaming service NOW.

Little Door Productions is an independent production company, creating bold, original projects with a distinctive creative voice. Find out more about Little Door Productions over at their website.

For more information about saltmarshes you can check out the State of the World’s Saltmarshes report published as part of WWF and Sky’s partnership.