Complete newbie in Southport

Hi, I’m in Southport. Never flown a drone before. I’ve been lucky enough to be given the new DJI Air 3s. I’ve got my Operator’s and Flyer’s IDs, now I’m stumped as to where I can go to get to grips with the thing!
Sefton’s official line is that drones are “not permitted in the protected landscapes of the Sefton Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for recreational use” but, though it seems that some of the coastline is not protected, I can’t find any information about which, if any, areas along the coast can be used.
Given the weight of the drone, I’m obviously already very restricted, not even being permitted to test it in my own garden (not having any point more than 150m from a residential property).
I really want to find somewhere very local for my first few tries, especially when I’ll be dragging someone else along who isn’t even covered to fly it themself right now.
Any advice on where I can fly (or other hints & tips for a complete novice) would be much appreciated.

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Hi @Fleabag and welcome to Grey Arrows :wave:t2:

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We’re a well established club with many knowledgeable members so it’s very likely that any issues you come across will have been discussed here before. Our discussion forum has very powerful search features which should help you find what you need but if you get stuck you can post a new question in the Questions & Answers category.

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Welcome once again!

Hi @Fleabag and welcome to GADC :+1: :+1:

Hi from down the road in Wigan :wave:t2:

As @OzoneVibe suggested, Drone Scene will give you lots (and lots) of recommended places to fly.

You’ll be pleased to hear that Sefton Borough Council have NO byelaws regulating the recreational use of drones from their land. Much to their annoyance, so enjoy your flights :slight_smile:

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Good afternoon @Fleabag Welcome along :+1:

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Welcome @Fleabag :wave: :wave:

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Hi @Fleabag - welcome to GADC :+1: :+1: :+1:

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Hi, I have looked on Drone Scene already, and no restrictions are mentioned there, but the council drone documents seem to say something different, but quite vague about whether they mean some or all of the coastline. That was going to be my first place to go - lots of open space away from people & buildings (and water! :laughing: )

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Having not flown before

That above is defo your best buddy & the water yes :+1:

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Welcome to the group, i have the Air 3 and also unable to fly in my garden so i don’t :lying_face:

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Don’t fly it in the Conservatory like some idiot did because he got impatient. Get a clear area to start with.

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I just got (yesterday)a Mavic 2 pro and did just that, well kitchen really. Let’s set it off near the window where it’ll pick up gps. Off we go and wow any loose bits of stuff, cats just about anything not tied down flying around like in a hurricane.:joy_cat:. But to get back to your question, there was a meet near you in skelmersdale , an old golf course loads of room to play and little probs with general public. Look up Northwest meet for sight.

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Morning mate, welcome from the Black Country

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