Bit of a newbie here, but wondering if I could get some advise, maybe a bit of peace of mind.
Looking to take my new Drone out at the weekend, whilst taking in some of the Wild Heather that grows in the Nature Reserve as well from the ground on Sunday
I’ve noticed that Hothfield Heathlands falls under an SSSI, but also under a Yellow Warning (rather than No Fly Zone) for Challock Airport, which I’m guessing is a very small grass airfield if anything.
Would be planning on flying around Sunrise, so doubt there would be many people around, but would I really get into trouble for taking the Drone up in that area?
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You’ve got a pretty good handle on the situation there, addicted; yellow zones on the Drone Scene maps are not restricted areas, merely ground hazards of various types that you need to be aware of while flying there. In this instance there are two ground hazards, the airfield (you need to keep an eye out for traffic and stay clear of it if there is any) and the SSSI.
SSSIs are nominated for a variety of reasons, and are often there to protect rare animals, birds, insects &c. These need to be given consideration and a wide berth during nesting/mating season, bot a problem this weekend. Or there may be rare plants, in which case be careful not to step on them. Or it may be some geological feature, and as far as I know rocks aren’t bothered by drones! If you’re worried about ir you can check out the reason for the site online and act accordingly, but there’s nothing to stop you flying there as long as it is within the CAA’s Drone Code, same as anywhere else really.
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Thanks so very much for the quick reply… SSSI’s certainly seem to be the “scariest” type of restriction out there, given what a grey area it is…
They are intimidating for newbies, but, by and large, a reasonably sensible approach to flying will enable you to do so without any effect on the wildlife. Basically, give it a wide berth especially in breeding season (you wouldn’t want to be buzzed by camera drones whe you’re doing that either). Keep away from trees (good advice anyway) or ground nesters like skylarks if there are any, don’t annow or disturb them, and you’ll be fine!
Be aware that the ‘very small grass airfield if anything’ is home to the Kent Gliding Club https://www.kent-gliding-club.co.uk. They can be active at any(day)time so, while the Hothfield area you are looking at is only just inside the zone, keep a sharp eye out (you wont hear them!). It might be worth giving them a bell beforehand - (01233 740274)
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