Council urges safe use of drones to protect birds along our coastline

With lots of activity taking place on our coastline at this time of year, it is really important that drone operators follow the Civil Aviation Authority guidance on how to use them safely, especially around people, groups,  buildings and wildlife.  CAA Drone and Model Aircraft Code

The coastline of North East Lincolnshire is nationally and internationally important, designated and protected as part of the Humber Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

That’s because the beach, sand dunes and saltmarsh beyond Cleethorpes Leisure Centre are all part of a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a Ramsar site, and a European Marine Site (EMS), which protects the species and habitats within them.

Drones have potential to disturb breeding birds, especially from May to September, and scaring birds from their nests can lead to them abandoning their eggs or young.

As the autumn approaches, up to 150,000 water birds will arrive on the Humber Estuary, making their vital, long migration flight from the Arctic to Africa for the winter. Forcing birds to take flight from roost sites where they are resting, or disrupting their normal feeding patterns, affects their ability to feed and rest well enough to complete this journey. It can also affect breeding in the following season.

In particularly cold or wet winter weather, excessive disturbance can lead to exhaustion and death. Protected migratory birds are found along the whole estuary coastline, including Cleethorpes and Humberston.

Cllr Henry Hudson, NELC Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “Drones are becoming more and more popular as a means of getting literally a bird’s eye view of an event or a location.

“Whilst we have no objection to licensed drone use, we do urge people to make sure that they are aware of our guidelines to avoid any unnecessary disturbance to our birds and wildlife, or accidents because of them.

“If you are not sure then please go to our website and read our guidance.”

 NELC-Use-of-Drones.docx “

Points to remember:

• Do not fly your drone towards flocks of roosting or feeding birds;
• Disturbance or distress to any wild animal or livestock must be avoided by flying at a safe distance. If distress or disturbance of an animal due to the presence of the drone is witnessed, then move the drone away immediately;
• Always be aware of where people and wildlife are and act accordingly and responsibly.