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Drone Rules for Blithfield Reservoir
Rugeley, England (england)
• United Kingdom
Blithfield Reservoir, Rugeley WS15, UK
Lat: 52.8145 • Lng: -1.91462
Rules Edit History: Blithfield Reservoir
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Mapped shape change
Old outline is gray. New outline is blue.
May 28, 2026 2:23 AM
Approved
• Added Blithfield Reservoir ground restriction based on South Staffs Water asset protection and conservation policies.
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Sources
- https://dronescene.co.uk/where-to-fly-drone/blithfield-reservoir-blithbury/west-midlands/1855 — South Staffs Water utility asset management and estate safety regulations.
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Before shape notes
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After shape notes
- Strategic infrastructure boundary (2nm radius circle); landowner ground operations policy in effect.
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Flight status | Unknown | Permission |
| Summary | — | NO DRONE FLIGHTS. South Staffs Water policy strictly prohibits visitor drone operations on or from the reservoir property. |
| Mapped shapes | — | 578df352-c329-4ac6-85c9-665295cc2ecf |
Before
After
## Landowner Policy & Site Rules * Drone operations—including launching, landing, or operating on the ground—are strictly prohibited across the Blithfield Reservoir site without formal authorization. * The reservoir estate, including its shoreline, walkways, and visitor parking, is private property owned and managed by South Staffs Water. * Operating a drone from the ground here without explicit prior consent from the water utility or site management team constitutes trespassing on private operational utility land. ## Strategic Priority & Infrastructure * Blithfield Reservoir is a Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) asset covering over 790 acres, serving as a primary drinking water supply for Staffordshire. * A significant portion of the water body and surrounding woodland is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), managed in partnership with the West Midland Bird Club (WMBC). * Due to the strict security requirements surrounding public water supplies and the critical importance of protecting sensitive habitats for wintering and breeding wildfowl, unauthorized activity on the ground is prohibited. ## Operational Security Protocols * Active monitoring and land patrols are carried out across the estate by South Staffs Water wardens, bird club rangers, and estate staff. * Any unauthorized drone operators identified operating from the ground will be approached, instructed to safely land their aircraft immediately, and required to leave the property. * Safety infractions or persistent non-compliance near operational works or protected bird hides will be reported to local authorities. ## Permissions & Exceptions * Ground permissions are entirely unavailable for all recreational, hobbyist, or casual drone flyers. * Exceptions are strictly reserved for essential utility maintenance inspections, authorized environmental survey work, or contracted engineering teams. * Professional pilots requiring access must contact South Staffs Water directly to secure formal written permission, submit a detailed flight plan, and provide proof of a valid CAA operational authorization alongside comprehensive commercial public liability insurance.
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+ ## Landowner Policy & Site Rules + * Drone operations—including launching, landing, or operating on the ground—are strictly prohibited across the Blithfield Reservoir site without formal authorization. + * The reservoir estate, including its shoreline, walkways, and visitor parking, is private property owned and managed by South Staffs Water. + * Operating a drone from the ground here without explicit prior consent from the water utility or site management team constitutes trespassing on private operational utility land. + + ## Strategic Priority & Infrastructure + * Blithfield Reservoir is a Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) asset covering over 790 acres, serving as a primary drinking water supply for Staffordshire. + * A significant portion of the water body and surrounding woodland is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), managed in partnership with the West Midland Bird Club (WMBC). + * Due to the strict security requirements surrounding public water supplies and the critical importance of protecting sensitive habitats for wintering and breeding wildfowl, unauthorized activity on the ground is prohibited. + + ## Operational Security Protocols + * Active monitoring and land patrols are carried out across the estate by South Staffs Water wardens, bird club rangers, and estate staff. + * Any unauthorized drone operators identified operating from the ground will be approached, instructed to safely land their aircraft immediately, and required to leave the property. + * Safety infractions or persistent non-compliance near operational works or protected bird hides will be reported to local authorities. + + ## Permissions & Exceptions + * Ground permissions are entirely unavailable for all recreational, hobbyist, or casual drone flyers. + * Exceptions are strictly reserved for essential utility maintenance inspections, authorized environmental survey work, or contracted engineering teams. + * Professional pilots requiring access must contact South Staffs Water directly to secure formal written permission, submit a detailed flight plan, and provide proof of a valid CAA operational authorization alongside comprehensive commercial public liability insurance.