Drone Flying Rules in the Mendip Hills — AONB Restrictions & Bristol Airport Proximity (2026)

Key Rules for Flying a Drone in the Mendip Hills

The Mendip Hills stretch across northern Somerset between Weston-super-Mare and Frome, covering roughly 198 square kilometres of limestone plateau, gorges, and grassland. The area holds AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) status, which means the landscape is protected — but this designation alone does not create an automatic ban on drone flying.

Under the CAA Drone and Model Aircraft Code (CAP 2320, updated March 2026), the core rules that apply throughout the Mendip Hills are:

• Flyer ID required — if your drone weighs 100g or more, you must pass the free online theory test and carry your Flyer ID.
• Operator ID required — if your drone weighs 250g or more, you must register as an operator (£10.33 per year) and display the Operator ID on the aircraft.
• Maximum altitude 120m (400ft) — measured from the ground directly below the drone. On the Mendip plateau, which sits around 260m above sea level, your drone's absolute altitude can be considerable, so stay aware of passing aircraft.
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) — you must always be able to see your drone without binoculars or other aids.
• 50m from uninvolved people — keep a minimum horizontal distance of 50 metres from anyone not participating in your flight.
• 150m from residential, commercial, or recreational areas — this includes car parks, visitor centres, and villages within the Mendip Hills.

Landowner Permission

AONB status does not override normal property law. You need the landowner's consent to take off from and land on any private land. Much of the Mendip Hills is privately owned farmland or managed by the National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, or Natural England. The National Trust has a general policy prohibiting drone take-off and landing on its land without prior written permission.

Public rights of way give you passage — not the right to launch a drone from the path. If in doubt, contact the Mendip Hills AONB Unit at the Somerset Council offices for guidance on specific parcels.

Bristol Airport Airspace — The Biggest Restriction

Bristol Airport (BRS) lies approximately 10 kilometres northwest of the Mendip Hills' western edge. The airport operates a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) that extends roughly 2.5 nautical miles from the runway centre, with additional protection zones along the approach and departure paths.

Key facts about the Bristol Airport FRZ:

• The FRZ extends to 2,000 feet above ground level.
• You must never fly within the FRZ unless you have explicit permission from Bristol Airport.
• Bristol Airport has installed advanced drone detection technology and works closely with Avon & Somerset Police to enforce the restriction.
• The western portions of the Mendip Hills — particularly around Burrington Combe and Black Down — sit closest to the FRZ boundary. Always check the NATS drone airspace map or a CAA-approved app before flying in these areas.

The eastern Mendip Hills, around Shepton Mallet, Wells, and Cheddar, generally fall outside the Bristol Airport FRZ. However, other temporary restrictions (NOTAMs) may apply, so check airspace status on the day of your flight using the NATS UAS restriction map or apps such as Drone Assist.

Other Airspace Considerations

Military low-flying routes pass over parts of Somerset. While these are not permanent restrictions for drone pilots, they highlight the importance of flying below 120m and maintaining visual awareness. The Mendip Hills also sit beneath portions of controlled airspace associated with Bristol's approach corridors — another reason to verify clearance before launching from the western Mendips.

Best Spots for Drone Flying in the Mendip Hills

The Mendip Hills offer dramatic scenery for aerial photography, but choosing the right location matters for both legal compliance and safety.

• Cheddar Gorge area (east of gorge) — the open plateau east of Cheddar Gorge offers clear sightlines and is further from Bristol Airport. Avoid flying directly over the gorge itself if visitors are present below.
• Priddy village surroundings — the high farmland around Priddy sits in the centre of the Mendip plateau. Open terrain with fewer people, though you still need landowner consent.
• Ebbor Gorge Nature Reserve — managed by Natural England. Contact them before flying, as SSSI protections apply and access to the reserve may have specific conditions.
• Wells to Shepton Mallet corridor — lower-lying farmland east of the Mendip scarp. Generally well away from Bristol Airport airspace, but check for any local events or temporary restrictions.

Avoid launching from Cheddar Gorge car parks, Wookey Hole visitor areas, or any National Trust sites without written permission. These locations fall under the 150m rule for recreational areas and may have specific byelaws prohibiting drone operations.

SSSI and Wildlife Restrictions

Several areas within the Mendip Hills hold SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) designation, including parts of Cheddar Gorge, Ebbor Gorge, and the Black Down area. Flying a drone over an SSSI is not automatically illegal, but you must not disturb protected wildlife.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb Schedule 1 species, including peregrine falcons that nest in Cheddar Gorge. The Mendip Hills also support populations of greater horseshoe bats, which are protected under European and UK law.

Practical guidance for SSSI areas:

• Avoid flying March to July during bird breeding season.
• Do not fly at dawn or dusk near bat roost sites.
• Keep your drone above 50m altitude over sensitive habitats to reduce disturbance.
• If Natural England has issued specific conditions for a site, follow them.

Penalties for Breaking Drone Rules

The CAA and police take drone offences seriously, especially near airport airspace. Penalties you could face in the Mendip Hills include:

• Flying without registration — fine up to £1,000.
• Breaching the Drone Code (altitude, distance, VLOS) — fine up to £2,500.
• Flying in a Flight Restriction Zone without permission — criminal offence carrying an unlimited fine and potential imprisonment.
• Disturbing protected wildlife at an SSSI — prosecution under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with fines up to £5,000 per offence.
• Endangering an aircraft — under the Air Navigation Order, this can lead to up to five years in prison.

Avon & Somerset Police have experience investigating drone incidents near Bristol Airport. If reported, expect your footage and flight logs to be examined.

Pre-Flight Checklist for the Mendip Hills

1. Check Bristol Airport FRZ — use the NATS UAS restriction map or Drone Assist app to confirm your launch site is outside the zone.
2. Verify your registration — Flyer ID (100g+) and Operator ID (250g+) must be current. Operator ID must be displayed on the drone.
3. Get landowner permission — confirm you have consent to take off and land. Contact the National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, or private landowners as needed.
4. Check for SSSI designations — use the MAGIC map (magic.defra.gov.uk) to identify protected sites at your planned location.
5. Review NOTAMs — temporary airspace restrictions can appear at short notice. Check on the day of your flight.
6. Inspect your drone — battery charge, propeller condition, firmware updates, and compass calibration.
7. Check weather — the Mendip plateau is exposed and windy. Conditions can change quickly, especially in autumn and winter.
8. Plan for the 120m ceiling — on the Mendip plateau, you are already at 260m above sea level. Your drone will be at roughly 380m ASL at maximum legal altitude.