Drone Rules for Grafham Water

Landowner Policy & Site Rules

• Drone operations—including launching, landing, or operating on the ground—are strictly prohibited across the Grafham Water site without formal authorization.
• The reservoir estate, surrounding tracks, and visitor parklands are private property owned and managed by Anglian Water Services Ltd, who enforces a public safety restriction on personal drone usage.
• Operating an unmanned aircraft from the ground here without explicit prior written consent constitutes trespassing on operational utility land.

Strategic Priority & Infrastructure

• Grafham Water is a major, high-priority public water supply reservoir and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
• The site features busy public trails, water sports facilities, and critical open water infrastructure. Ground rules are strictly maintained to protect visitor safety, safeguard physical assets, and prevent disturbance to the sensitive wildlife populations that populate the nature reserve margins.

Operational Security Protocols

• Active land monitoring and routine patrols are carried out by Anglian Water park staff and site wardens.
• 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 near visitor centres, public paths, or operational assets will be reported directly 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, official asset structural inspections, or pre-approved professional media productions.
• Professional pilots requiring access must contact Anglian Water directly well in advance to apply for formal written consent, submit a detailed flight plan, and provide proof of valid CAA operational authorization alongside comprehensive public liability insurance.