Drone Flying Rules on Exmoor — National Park Restrictions & Wildlife Sensitivity (2026)

Exmoor National Park stretches across 267 square miles of moorland, wooded valleys and dramatic coastline along the Devon and Somerset border. It is also one of only around twenty International Dark Sky Reserves on the planet, which makes it a magnet for photographers and filmmakers. Naturally, drone pilots want a piece of that action. But before you launch, there are local rules layered on top of the national CAA framework that you absolutely need to know.

Key Rules for Flying a Drone on Exmoor

The Exmoor National Park Authority owns and manages sections of the moor, but much of the land is rented by farmers and graziers. That creates a patchwork of permissions you need to navigate before a flight.

Landowner Permission

If you want to fly a drone over Exmoor National Park Authority-owned land, you must request permission from the Authority. Because much of the estate is tenanted, it may not always be possible for them to grant a licence, but they will do their best to help. For land the Authority does not own, you should seek permission directly from the landowner.

SSSI Restrictions

Exmoor contains multiple Sites of Special Scientific Interest. You must not fly over an Exmoor SSSI at low altitude without Natural England permission. Taking off, landing or flying at low levels within any SSSI requires separate consent from Natural England, on top of any landowner permission.

Commercial and Filming Use

All commercial operators — film crews, aerial surveyors, advertising shoots — must have landowner permission. If you want to use a drone on Authority-owned land for commercial purposes, you will need to contact the estate department to obtain an Authority-issued licence. You will also need to show evidence of your CAA credentials and public liability insurance.

Wildlife and Livestock

The noise and movement of a drone is easily perceived as a threat by animals. Exmoor is home to red deer, Exmoor ponies, ground-nesting birds and many sheep. Disturbing animals is not permitted — keep your drone well away from all wildlife and livestock. Sheep in particular can abort their lambs through stress if frightened by a drone overhead. During the lambing season (roughly March to May), extra caution is essential.

Airspace and Flight Restrictions

Exmoor sits in relatively quiet airspace compared to south-east England, but that does not mean you can fly without checking.

• No major airport FRZs overlap Exmoor. The nearest significant airports are Exeter (about 30 miles south) and Bristol (about 50 miles north-east). Their Flight Restriction Zones do not reach the park, but always verify with the NATS Drone Assist app before each flight.
• Military activity: Low-flying military jets occasionally use the Bristol Channel corridor. Check NOTAMs for temporary danger areas before flying on the northern coastal sections of the moor.
• Max altitude: 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level, as per CAA regulations across the UK.
• VLOS requirement: You must maintain Visual Line of Sight with your drone at all times. The deep combes and wooded valleys on Exmoor can block your view quickly — plan your position accordingly.

Dark Sky Reserve Considerations

Exmoor earned its International Dark Sky Reserve status because of minimal light pollution. While the Dark Sky designation does not impose specific drone airspace rules, flying a drone with bright LED lights at night near stargazing events or key observation sites (such as Holdstone Hill, County Gate or Wimbleball Lake) would be inconsiderate and could lead to complaints. Night flights require a visible green flashing light on the drone under 2026 CAA rules, but consider timing your flights to avoid peak stargazing hours.

Best Spots and Tips for Drone Flying on Exmoor

Assuming you have the right permissions, Exmoor offers genuinely spectacular aerial footage opportunities.

• Valley of Rocks (near Lynton): Dramatic coastal rock formations. The land is partly common land managed by the local council — check permission. Strong coastal winds are common, so fly in calm conditions.
• Porlock Weir and the coast path: Stunning views along the Bristol Channel. Stay clear of walkers on the South West Coast Path and any nesting seabird colonies on the cliffs.
• Tarr Steps: An ancient clapper bridge spanning the River Barle. Beautiful wooded valley, but tree cover limits VLOS — pick an elevated launch point.
• Open moorland (Dunkery Beacon area): The highest point on Exmoor at 519 metres. Fewer obstructions and good VLOS potential, but wind speeds increase significantly with altitude. Watch for ground-nesting birds in spring and summer.

General tip: Exmoor weather changes fast. Fog can roll in from the coast within minutes, making VLOS impossible. Always have a contingency plan and set a conservative return-to-home altitude.

What Happens If You Break the Rules

Enforcement on Exmoor comes from multiple directions.

• CAA penalties: Flying without the required Flyer ID (for drones 100g and above) or Operator ID (250g and above) can result in fines of up to £2,500. Breaching altitude limits, flying beyond VLOS, or entering restricted airspace carries the same penalty range.
• Wildlife offences: Deliberately or recklessly disturbing a Schedule 1 protected bird (such as a peregrine falcon or merlin, both present on Exmoor) while it is nesting is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Fines can reach £5,000 per offence, and in serious cases, a prison sentence of up to six months.
• SSSI damage: Operating a drone in a way that damages or disturbs an SSSI without Natural England consent can result in prosecution and significant fines.
• Trespass: Taking off or landing on private land without permission is civil trespass. While typically resolved through a request to leave, repeated or commercial trespass can lead to court action.

Park rangers regularly patrol Exmoor and will ask to see your permissions if they spot a drone in flight. Being prepared saves everyone time.

Your Pre-Flight Checklist for Exmoor

1. Check your registration. Drones 100g and above need a Flyer ID (free online test). Drones 250g and above also need an Operator ID (£10.33 per year). Display your Operator ID on the drone.
2. Identify the landowner. Is your launch site on National Park Authority land, tenanted farmland, common land or private land? Contact the relevant party for permission.
3. Check for SSSIs. Use the MAGIC map (magic.defra.gov.uk) to see whether your flight area overlaps any SSSI. If it does, contact Natural England before flying.
4. Check airspace. Open the NATS Drone Assist app. Verify there are no temporary restrictions, NOTAMs or military exercises active in the area.
5. Check the weather. Exmoor weather is notoriously changeable. Wind speed, visibility and incoming fronts all affect your flight. A 15 mph wind at ground level on the coast can be 30 mph on the high moor.
6. Scan for wildlife. Before launching, look around your location. Are there sheep nearby? Birds circling overhead? Deer grazing downwind? Adjust your position to maintain a healthy distance from all animals.
7. Carry proof. Bring your Flyer ID, Operator ID, any landowner permission documents, and insurance details. Having these ready avoids delays if a ranger asks to see them.
8. Follow the Drone Code. Maintain VLOS, stay below 120m, never fly over uninvolved people, and keep at least 150m from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas unless your drone is under 250g.