Please DO NOT fly your drone above any part of Therfield Heath.
Therfield Heath is a Nature Reserve and flying drones near birds, sheep and butterflies is very likely to cause them concern. For example, nesting birds are sensitive to disturbance – they may feel threatened by drones and abandon their nests.
You should be aware that there are laws in place to protect the wildlife on site and be aware of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which gives legal protection for birds and wildlife against disturbance, in particular during the breeding season.
During many months of the year, there are sheep grazing the site. We do not want them disturbed by the presence of drones.
Additionally most of the Therfield Heath is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) you should also note the guidance that drones or model aircraft should not be flown on, or over Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) without consent from Natural England.
The Heath is common land and is used by very many people: playing golf, walking, exercising their dogs etc. Many drones have cameras attached and these could infringe data protection laws (filming people without permission).
For the safety and enjoyment of these visitors, and to protect wildlife from disturbance, please do not fly unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) or other remote-control flying devices on or over Therfield Heath. The presence of drones can impinge on the quiet enjoyment of our sites by other visitors, and the wildlife who live on the site, and potentially presents a public nuisance risk.
The use of drones is overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority. In many cases drones require specific permissions and licensing to operate legally, and operators must have sufficient training and insurance to use them safely and responsibly.
You can find out more about the legislation in this area from the government websites like this one
Drones: how to fly them safely and legally – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
The CAA and NTAS have developed a website and have created an agreed code of conduct which offers useful information on the technical laws which cover the flying of drones. If you visit their website you may find details of the current legal rules in this area and there are also links to the Drone Code.
Please DO NOT fly your drone above any part of Therfield Heath.
In line with other sites, we do receive requests to film or use drones over the site.
We can consider a limited number of professional commercial requests where the filming is in line with the aims of this very special site. If you are interested in filming on our site then we do require you to complete and return the Filming Permission Form to us. It is important that those who use the site for commercial gain make a contribution towards upkeep. Completing the form does not mean that consent to film will be given by the landowners but it will assist us, as landowners, to understand your proposed filming process and enable us to check risk assessments, liability insurance, qualifications etc to give the public better peace of mind and to ensure that any filming is carried out for the benefit of Therfield Heath.