Let’s try to answer this complicated question about drone flying

Is drone flying legal in the UK?

Where do you stand on drones in our National Parks?

I’m divided.

I love watching drone footage of beautiful landscapes but I don’t like the presence and noise of a drone spoiling my outdoor experience.

But drones are more affordable and popular than ever.

UK drone legislation is perhaps struggling to keep up with increases in drone usage both for leisure and business.

Takeaway by drone anyone?

The issue is covered by different legislations (laws) and regulations (rules relating to laws). Here are a few snippets that can help us understand the legalities of flying drones in the UK.

General CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) rules

• Only fly up to 120 metres above the ground
• Make sure you can see your drone (with your eyes)
• Never fly in airport restricted zones

Register every year as a drone operator if…

• Your drone has a camera
• Your drone weighs 250g or more

You need to complete a drone flyer test if…

• Your drone weighs 250g or more

Read the CAA drone code for more safety advice. Especially about flying around other people.

Can I fly a drone over private property?

You can fly a drone over private property in the UK but you could be breaking privacy and data protection (GDPR) rules if your drone is fitted with a camera. You need landowner permission to take off or land on private property.

Can I fly my drone over a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)?

You will need permission from Natural England to take off and fly at low levels within some UK SSSIs. This includes those within National Parks and on National Trust land.

Can I fly a drone over National Trust property and land?

Bylaws can restrict drone flights and many do. This is the case with the National Trust. You can’t fly your drone over National Trust property. The Trust gives reasons related to wildlife, farm animals, local families and tranquility for this decision.

• Drones and National Trust property

Can I fly my drone in a UK National Park?

As well as national legislation relating to drone flying,  bylaws (local laws) also apply. We have 15 National Parks in the UK. It’s important to remember that the land within each National Park is owned by multiple landowners.

Each UK National Park has its own drone bylaws and recommendations. I’ve summarised these and provided a link to each.

Some National Park authorities have done a better job than others when it comes to clarity.

Drones and The Broads National Park

• Comply with UK law
• Protect wildlife (especially birds and dragonflies)
• Stop if your drone is disturbing someone
• Avoid flying from busy moorings
• Don’t fly from boats
• Commercial operators need permission
• The Broads National Park and drone flying

Flying drones within Dartmoor National Park

• Comply with UK law
• No recreational drone flying on common land within Dartmoor National Park (see the Dartmoor common land map)
• Drone flying and Dartmoor National Park

Flying drones on Exmoor

• Comply with UK law
• Avoid disturbing wildlife (especially deer)
• Don’t fly over an Exmoor SSSI.
• Drone flying and Exmoor National Park

Flying drones in the Lake District National Park

• Comply with UK law
• Avoid disturbing wildlife (especially nesting birds)
• Don’t fly on National Trust property
• Be respectful of other people
• Be respectful of local farmers
• Avoid disturbing sheep at lambing time
• Drone flying in the Lake District National Park

Can I fly my drone in the New Forest?

• Comply with UK law
• No drone flying on Crown Land owned by Forestry England. (see Crown Land map)
• Permission required for drones flying on private land
• Drone flying in the New Forest National Park

Drones and Northumberland National Park

• Comply with UK law
• Protect wildlife
• Be a registered FLYER (CAA)
• Obtain landowner permission for take off
• Do not operate within 150m of Authority car parks
• Drone flying in Northumberland National Park

Flying drones in the North York Moors National Park

• No permission for amateur operators
• Only limited permission for commercial operators
• Land owner permission required for take-off and landing
• Drone flying in the North York Moors National Park

Can I fly my drone in the Peak District National Park?

• Comply with UK law
• Protect wildlife
• No power-driven model aircraft on access land (most of the Peak District)
• No flying over SSSIs or Special Protection Areas
• Flying drones in the Peak District National Park

Drone flying in the Yorkshire Dales National Park

• Comply with UK law
• Drones must be registered with the CAA
• Obtain landowner permission
• Be considerate of other people
• No recreational flying on National Park owned sites
• No drone flying at Malham Cove or Malham Tarn
• Drone flying in the Yorkshire Dales National Park

Can I fly my drone on the South Downs?

• I was unable to find the required information on the South Downs National Park Authority website.

Drone rules in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park

• I couldn’t find the relevant information on the National Park website but did find a Freedom of Information Request response stating that whilst bylaws on the subject don’t exist, the NPA does not allow drones on its land without consent.

Flying drones in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

• Comply with UK law
• Look out for No Fly Zones
• No drones on National Trust property
• No drones at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill or Castell Henllys Iron Age Village
• Don’t scare horses
• Don’t harass livestock (especially near cliffs)
• Be considerate
• Protect wildlife (particularly seals)
• Drone flying in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park drone regulations

• Comply with UK law
• Avoid flying on busy mountain paths
• No flying on National Trust properties (e.g. Ogwen Valley, Snowdon’s Watkin Path or Tryfan)
• No close footage of sheep, lambs, cattle or goats
• No flying near nest sites or protected species
• Keep flying time to a minimum
• Do not ‘buzz’ summit areas
• Be aware of low-flying search and rescue aircraft
• More drone information for Eryri National Park

Can I fly a drone in the Cairngorms National Park?

• Comply with UK law
• Check for landowner permission
• Respect other people’s safety and privacy
• Be careful around wildlife or animals (including livestock)
• Drone flying in the Cairngorms (see drop-down)

Drone flying in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

• I was unable to find the required information on the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority website.