Drone Rules for Pitsford Water

Landowner Policy & Site Rules

• Drone operations—including launching, landing, or operating on the ground—are strictly prohibited across the Pitsford Water site without formal authorization.
• The reservoir park, surrounding pathways, and visitor car parks are private property owned and managed by Anglian Water. The company actively enforces a "No Drones" policy for all visitors to protect the public.
• Operating an unmanned aircraft from the ground here without explicit prior written consent constitutes trespassing on operational utility land.

Strategic Priority & Infrastructure

• Pitsford Water is a critical operational infrastructure asset supplying drinking water to Northamptonshire, while its northern half functions as a highly sensitive nature reserve.
• The site features shared-access tracks, a busy fishing lodge, and water sports zones. Ground rules are maintained to protect the public on paths, preserve the peace for bird watchers, and eliminate acoustic threats to overwintering wildfowl.

Operational Security Protocols

• Regular land checks and facility monitoring are carried out across the site by Anglian Water rangers and park 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 park.
• Persistent non-compliance or hazardous flying over busy trails, car parks, or the nature reserve will be reported directly to local authorities.

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 pre-approved professional media crews.
• Professional pilots requiring access must contact Anglian Water's management office directly well in advance to obtain formal written permission, submit a comprehensive flight risk assessment, and provide proof of a valid CAA operational authorization alongside commercial public liability insurance.