Drone Rules for Bewl Water

Landowner Policy & Site Rules

• Drone operations—including launching, landing, or operating on the ground—are strictly prohibited across the Bewl Water park and reservoir estate without explicit prior authorization.
• The reservoir property, visitor hubs, water sport facilities, and the multi-use perimeter path are managed by Bewl Water / Southern Water. They enforce a clear "no drones" public safety rule across the land.
• Operating a drone from the ground here without formal written consent from the estate management team constitutes trespassing on private utility and recreational land.

Strategic Priority & Infrastructure

• Bewl Water is the largest stretch of open water in South East England, serving as a critical infrastructure asset for regional water supplies.
• The reservoir operates a busy commercial water sports park featuring sailing, windsurfing, rowing, and passenger watercraft.
• Portions of the reservoir banks are dedicated nature reserves and sensitive ecological habitats. Ground rules are strictly maintained to protect visitors from privacy intrusion, prevent accidents over crowded open waters, and safeguard local wildlife populations.

Operational Security Protocols

• Active land monitoring and perimeter checks are carried out by on-site water sports staff, 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 pack up and leave the premises.
• Persistent non-compliance or threatening operations near public cafe spaces or active water users will result in being escorted off the property by security or reported 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 infrastructure surveys, authorized environmental asset monitoring, or pre-approved professional media crews.
• Professional pilots requiring access must contact the Bewl Water estate management office directly well in advance to obtain formal written permission, submit a detailed flight risk assessment, and provide proof of valid CAA operational authorization alongside comprehensive commercial public liability insurance.