Drone Rules for Foremark Reservoir

Landowner Policy & Site Rules

• Drone operations—including launching, landing, or operating on the ground—are strictly prohibited across the Foremark Reservoir site without formal authorization.
• The reservoir, car parks, and visitor areas are owned by Severn Trent Water and managed in partnership with the National Trust. Both organizations enforce strict non-permission rules for personal drone usage on their properties.
• Operating a drone from the ground here without explicit prior consent from the management team constitutes trespassing on private utility and conservation land.

Strategic Priority & Infrastructure

• Foremark Reservoir is a vital asset within the regional water supply network and a major multi-use visitor site in South Derbyshire.
• The site features highly sensitive habitats, including a 230-acre nature reserve and the Carver's Rocks Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
• Strict ground regulations are enforced to safeguard sensitive wildlife species, particularly the rich diversity of resident birds, from airborne and terrestrial disturbance.

Operational Security Protocols

• Active land and facility monitoring is carried out across the site by National Trust wardens and Severn Trent estate staff.
• Any unauthorized drone operators identified operating from the ground will be approached, instructed to safely land their aircraft immediately, and requested to leave the property.
• Persistent non-compliance or hazardous flying over busy visitor facilities, car parks, or the adventure playground will be escalated to local authorities.

Permissions & Exceptions

• Ground permissions are entirely denied for all recreational, amateur, and hobbyist drone flyers.
• Exceptions are strictly reserved for commercial utility surveys, essential structural asset inspections, or pre-approved professional media productions.
• Professional pilots requiring access must submit a formal application via Severn Trent's filming office well in advance, hold a valid CAA operational authorization, and provide proof of comprehensive commercial public liability insurance.