Drone Rules for Staunton Harold Reservoir

Landowner Policy & Site Rules

• Drone operations—including launching, landing, or operating on the ground—are strictly prohibited across the Staunton Harold Reservoir site without explicit prior authorization.
• The reservoir park, surrounding pathways, and visitor facilities are private property owned and managed by Severn Trent Water.
• Operating an unmanned aircraft from the ground here without formal written consent from the utility company constitutes trespassing on operational utility land.

Strategic Priority & Infrastructure

• Staunton Harold Reservoir is a key operational water asset.
• Ground rules are actively maintained to protect visitor safety across the busy trails and waterside areas, and to prevent acoustic or visual disturbance to the local wildlife populations that inhabit the reservoir margins.

Operational Security Protocols

• Active land monitoring and routine perimeter checks are carried out by Severn Trent park rangers and site 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 near visitor hubs or operational dam facilities 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, essential structural inspections, or pre-approved professional media productions.
• Professional pilots requiring access must contact Severn Trent Water's filming office well in advance to complete a formal application, submit a detailed flight risk assessment, and provide proof of a valid CAA operational authorization alongside commercial public liability insurance.