Flying Here Is Allowed

  See our National Trust and English Heritage sections to learn about flying over their properties.

Natural England often has control of many SSSI sites which are more sensitive than those of the National Trust and English Heritage. The CAA Drone code has a section dedicated to flying over SSSI sites.

The wording under the CAA Drone Code is important:
"Flying may be restricted at some Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) where that flight may disturb animals or wildlife".

Think Before You Take Off

The key takeaway is that you "Do not fly where you’ll disturb or endanger animals and wildlife". Flying at these sites just because you can when you know it may upset nesting birds or other wildlife will not do the drone hobby overall any good at all. Think, be a considerate pilot.

Natural England doesn't have a blanket ban on drone flying. Some sites are a no-no, at others it's allowed and some you need permission for. This differs slightly to the National Trust and English Heritage as it's directly mentioned in the CAA Drone Code. You need to check for local byelaws or look out for local signs and then follow any restrictions that apply regardless of whether or not you are taking off and landing outside of the Natural England site boundaries.

The following national authorities provide information on SSSIs:

• Natural England
• Natural Resources Wales
• NatureScot
• Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)