Drone Rules for Chew Valley Lake

Landowner Policy & Site Rules

• Drone operations—including launching, landing, or operating on the ground—are strictly prohibited across the Chew Valley Lake site without explicit prior authorization from Bristol Water.
• The lake and its surrounds are a heavily protected landscape. Bristol Water manages the site with a firm policy prohibiting drones to protect the integrity of the drinking water infrastructure and the surrounding nature reserve.
• Operating an unmanned aircraft from the ground here without formal written consent constitutes trespassing on operational utility land.

Strategic Priority & Infrastructure

• Chew Valley Lake is a massive public water supply reservoir and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
• It is internationally famous for its bird populations and rich ecological diversity. Ground regulations are strictly maintained to eliminate visual and acoustic disturbances that threaten rare breeding or overwintering bird species.

Operational Security Protocols

• Regular land patrols are carried out by Bristol Water staff, rangers, and conservation officers.
• Any unauthorized drone operators identified operating from the ground will be approached, instructed to safely land their aircraft immediately, and requested to leave the estate.
• Persistent non-compliance or hazardous flying near bird hides, operational dam infrastructure, or public visitor paths will be reported to local law enforcement.

Permissions & Exceptions

• Ground permissions are entirely unavailable for all recreational, amateur, and hobbyist drone flyers.
• Exceptions are strictly reserved for commercial utility surveys, necessary structural inspections, or authorized ecological monitoring.
• Professional pilots requiring access must contact Bristol Water's land management office well in advance to obtain formal written permission, submit a detailed risk assessment, and provide proof of a valid CAA operational authorization alongside commercial public liability insurance.