What are Ground Overlays? Ground Overlays are customisable map layers for on-the-ground information, available to Silver Members and Gold Members, so you can focus only on the data that matters to you.
What does each layer include? The list below explains what each layer includes and excludes, so you can plan safe, legal flights with confidence.
Can I fly on Crown Estate foreshore? The Crown Estate grant permission for drone flights taking place on Crown Estate foreshore. The foreshore is defined as the land between mean high water and mean low water.
What conditions apply? This permission is subject to all operators complying with the applicable laws, statutes, regulations and codes, as well as the requirements of The Civil Aviation Authority.
Are there any extra restrictions? On occasions, third parties such as Government agencies or local authorities may restrict the flying of drones on Crown Estate land. You should therefore check with the appropriate authority to ensure that no such restrictions are in place.
Where can I read more? See The Crown Estate Foreshore and Estuary FAQ.
What hazards are shown? This layer contains details of ground-based hazards that might pose a safety or privacy risk, such as train lines, pylons, power lines, schools or sports venues.
What is the ‘Locations' layer? A collection of recommended places to fly your drone.
Who recommends these locations? The recommendations have all been made by members of Grey Arrows Drone Club that have personally flown there.
What does the ‘Meetups' layer show? It displays club meetups taking place across the UK so you can discover, join, or plan flying sessions with other members.
What does the ‘Members' layer show? Discover where Grey Arrows Drone Club members are located across the UK.
Is this opt-in? Yes. This map layer shows only club members who have chosen to participate, it does not include all club members.
What is National Trust land access like? The National Trust looks after nearly 250,000 hectares of land in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Is it open to the public? Large areas of this land is open to the public free of charge, and other areas are ticketed – open to National Trust members and paying members of the public.
Are there areas without public access? Additional areas of National Trust land are used for farming, or other commercial activities, and the public doesn't have any right to access this land, other than by statutory provision e.g. footpaths and bridleways.
Can I take off from National Trust land? National Trust do not permit drones to be flown from their land.
Can I fly over National Trust land? Yes, provided that:
Where can I read more? See Flying drones at our places.
What are SSSIs? A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is land notified as an SSSI under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). SSSIs underpin many other conservation designations (e.g., national nature reserves, Ramsar sites, Special Protection Areas, and Special Areas of Conservation).
Why are SSSIs important? They protect the finest sites for wildlife and natural features, supporting many characteristic, rare and endangered species and habitats.
Who should I contact before flying? Drone operators should contact Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Nature Scot before flying over SSSIs.