Drone flying over the reserve.
We have had several incidents involving Drone flying this year but a near air miss was reported with a plane over Rainham just a few weeks ago so time for some facts... It may be a bit wordy but we need to be clear about where we, the RSPB, stand on their use...
The use of drones is a new and innovative way of getting aerial footage over land, and it is understandable that it is of interest to many people. The applications for this new technology is also many and varied, and could be a useful tool in helping inform management, monitoring site development and helping identify issues.
However it also comes with risks.
As site owners and managers, we have a right, and a duty, to restrict certain activities if they are deemed inappropriate or potentially damaging.
As a Site of Special Scientific Interest, use of a drone over the reserve that disturbs the features for which the site has been designated could be construed as third party damage to the SSSI, which would be a criminal offence. Use of a drone over a SSSI could require consent from NE.
Drones certainly have potential to disturb breeding birds, and also flocks of wintering birds. Their use therefore needs to be carefully considered and planned, and un-authorised drone flights cannot be tolerated.
Any requests to operate a drone over the reserve should be directed to site staff.
As a general principle we do not allow recreational use of drones on our estate, as nature reserves and land managed for biodiversity and peoples enjoyment are not appropriate places for their use. We would suggest that those wanting to do this find a suitable private area of land and gain the owner's permission. Legally, operators, if commercial (those receiving 'valuable consideration' e.g. selling images, professional survey work etc), need to have permission from the CAA, This is effectively a licence that involves theory and practical tests and annual renewal of the licence. Recreational users, (ie those non-commercial operators who are not receiving 'valuable consideration') still need to follow some basic rules set down by the CAA, or risk prosecution: - Don't fly within or 150m away from congested areas (urban areas, sports events, crowds etc) or close to airfields. - Don't fly within 50m of people, vehicles or structures not within the pilots control. - Don't fly beyond 500m horizontally or 122m vertically. - Keep in visual contact at all times. - If fitted with a camera must comply with the data protection act (images can't identify people). In addition to this, users need to think about public liability insurance as these craft in the wrong hands have the potential to cause injury or damage to property.
However...
It is a valuable tool in the right hands and I am sure that we shall be utilizing the skills of people such as Barry Jones who filmed the stunning footage above early one morning to plan new works and assess the progress of water dispersal across the site for instance...
26-10-15