Recreational Drone Users
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National Park Authority Guidance for visitor attractions In order to safeguard protected wildlife Recreational Drone Users Commercial use of drones and members of the public, the in Pembrokeshire • You are classed as a commercial recreational use of drones is user if you are receiving payment or not permitted at: other reward in return for your flight. • Carew Castle and Tidal Mill Pembrokeshire is home to some Before you fly • Commercial users, whether using • Castell Henllys Iron Age Village. of the most spectacular scenery in under 20kg or over 20kg drones, the UK and is an area rich in • All users must follow the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) rules should have a formal UAS Public Rights of Way wildlife with internationally (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) important habitats and species. and regulations, which are illustrated in and Access Land the Drone Code. qualification accredited by the CAA. The Pembrokeshire Coast Contact the landowner before filming with a • Ensure your drone is well • You must have permission from the drone on a Public Right of Way or Access National Park and surrounding landowner for all commercial flights. maintained and you have the skills to Land. area attracts millions of visitors fly safely. Attending a training course or • Landowners are likely to request every year who enjoy a wide joining a local club may help. evidence of your CAA licence, Public Before filming on land which has a conservation designation e.g. sites of special range of recreation and leisure • If your drone weighs over 20kg you Liability Insurance and Aviation activities based around its natural Insurance Liability cover. scientific interest (SSSI), consult Natural will need a licence to operate from the Resources Wales . beauty, wildlife and cultural CAA. • For more information on filming in heritage. the Pembrokeshire Coast National • There are a number of No Fly Park visit Reporting misuse of drones By following this advice you Zones in Pembrokeshire including Haverfordwest Airport and the Military www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales Call Dyfed-Powys Police can enjoy flying your drone Ranges at Castlemartin, Penally and /filming. on 101 to report concerns without breaking the law, Manorbier. regarding the misuse of harming protected wildlife or drones. impacting on the enjoyment of • The National Trust does not permit other people. the use of drones on any of its properties without specific permission. Further information Civil Aviation Authority guidance on rules and regulations around drones: If you are using your drone for business www.dronesafe.uk/drone-code purposes you are a commercial user and different rules apply (see overleaf). Always ensure you have the landowner’s permission before you fly. PARTNERS Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Natural Resources Wales, Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council, National Trust. Fly responsibly Protect wildlife Wildlife disturbance • You must be able to • Nesting birds, marine mammals such • Wildlife may think your drone is a see your drone at all times. as seals, wading birds and waterfowl predator. Often the first sign of are all very sensitive to disturbance is wildlife becoming aware • You are responsible for disturbance . of your drone. Signs to look for are: avoiding collisions and any seabirds craning their necks, alarm calls subsequent damage to • Wildlife is especially sensitive during and seals looking up to watch your people, property and the breeding season and also when drone. These are signs that you are too livestock and any liability feeding, roosting or resting. close. Move your drone away and arising from your actions. • Disturbance of wildlife is a do not fly any closer. • Use extra care and Keep your distance crime and can be prosecuted under • Remember, time spent watching your attention when operating the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. • Don’t fly higher than Be considerate drone prevents animals from feeding and drones along footpaths, 120m (400ft) to avoid • Respect the privacy • Birds are particularly sensitive during resting and caring for their young which beaches and other areas collisions with manned of others when filming the nesting season (1 March to 31 can impact on survival . where there are lots of aircraft . Be aware of low using your drone. Ensure July), in particular on cliffs where people, especially during flying aircraft such as search • In cases where disturbance is severe, you are aware of privacy seabirds come ashore to nest. the summer months. and rescue helicopters or wildlife may take flight or move off in laws and the Data • Seals are vulnerable all year round. panic from cliffs or feeding areas. On • Be aware that animals those used for military Protection Act to ensure They haul out to pup on the coastline crowded seabird ledges in particular this may be easily startled by training purposes. an offence is not usually from August to the end of can lead to the loss of eggs . drones so take extra care • You must not fly your committed when storing or November and again to moult from • If seals feel threatened they may clear around horses and their drone within 150m (500ft) sharing footage shot from December to April. riders. of a ‘ congested area ’ your drone. the beach and head for the safety of the eg a residential area, any • Wading birds and waterfowl water. This can affect the survival • Ensure your drone is • Respect the rights of commercial or recreational may gather in number to feed and rest chances of the young seals before they not harassing livestock. others to enjoy the areas. This may include on sandflats or mudflats and are have developed their waterproof pelt or Take special care around National Park. People visit beaches during peak times. vulnerable at any time. during moulting. animals grazing near the for a variety of reasons: to • If you notice any change in an cliff edge and pregnant • Your drone must not fly watch wildlife, to enjoy • Even low levels of disturbance can animal’s behaviour you are too sheep. within 50m (150ft) of a adventure sports and for impact on wildlife and lead to close and you should declining breeding success and • In the interest of public person , vessel or structure. peace and tranquillity. immediately back away. reductions in populations. safety , avoid flying in You should not fly over Consider how your drone areas where there is groups of people at any flight impacts on other already a drone in flight. height. people’s experience..