Drone Rules on the Isles of Scilly

Overview — Why Scilly Requires Extra Care

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of around 140 islands and rocks situated approximately 45 kilometres south-west of Land's End, Cornwall. Only five islands are inhabited: St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher, and St Agnes. The entire archipelago holds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status, and significant stretches qualify as Heritage Coast.

For drone pilots, this remote and ecologically sensitive location presents a combination of challenges not found on the mainland. The small size of St Mary's means the airport FRZ covers a substantial portion of the island. Internationally important seabird colonies breed across the uninhabited islands, making wildlife disturbance a serious concern between April and August. Nearly all land belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall, so securing take-off and landing permission requires contacting the Duchy or the Council of the Isles of Scilly.

Can You Fly a Drone on the Isles of Scilly?

Yes, flying a drone on the Isles of Scilly is permitted under UK law, provided you comply with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, respect the AONB and Heritage Coast designations, and obtain landowner consent where required.

The standard UK drone rules apply in full. If your drone weighs 250 g or more, you must hold a valid CAA Flyer ID. Drones weighing more than 250 g (or any drone with a camera, regardless of weight) must also display an Operator ID. These registrations are obtained through the CAA's online system.

However, several location-specific factors make flying here more complex than on the mainland:

• The St Mary's Airport FRZ restricts flights within its zone without prior permission from Air Traffic Control
• The Duchy of Cornwall owns the vast majority of land across the islands
• Seabird breeding colonies on uninhabited islands are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
• The Council of the Isles of Scilly may impose additional bylaws on specific sites

Key Rules for Flying on the Isles of Scilly

General CAA Rules (Open Category)

Under the UK's Open Category framework, recreational and low-risk commercial drone flights must observe the following:

• Maximum altitude of 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level
• Maintain a visual line of sight (VLOS) with your drone at all times
• Keep at least 150 metres from residential, recreational, commercial, and industrial areas (for drones without a C-class marking in subcategory A3)
• Keep at least 50 metres from uninvolved persons (varies by subcategory and drone class)
• Never fly within 150 metres of an organised open-air assembly of more than 1,000 people
• Give way to crewed aircraft at all times

AONB and Heritage Coast Considerations

The AONB designation does not impose an outright ban on drone flights. However, it signals that the landscape is of national importance, and any activity that could disturb the natural character of the area may attract scrutiny. Heritage Coast status reinforces this protection.

In practice, this means you should plan flights carefully to avoid sensitive habitats, minimise noise disturbance, and fly at times that reduce impact on other visitors enjoying the tranquillity of the islands.

Duchy of Cornwall Land

The Duchy of Cornwall is the principal landowner on the Isles of Scilly. Under UK law, you need the landowner's permission to take off from and land on private property. Before your visit, contact the Duchy of Cornwall estate office or the Council of the Isles of Scilly to enquire about their current policy on drone flights from Duchy land.

Seabird Colony Protections

The uninhabited islands and rocky islets host nationally and internationally important breeding colonies of seabirds, including terns, puffins, Manx shearwaters, and storm petrels. Many of these species are listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb them at or near their nests.

Between April and August, you should avoid flying near known nesting sites entirely. Even outside the breeding season, approach wildlife with caution and maintain generous distances. The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust can advise on current nesting locations.

Flight Restriction Zone — St Mary's Airport

St Mary's Airport (IATA: ISC) serves as the main air link between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland. Despite being a small regional airport, it has a designated Flight Restriction Zone under UK regulations.

The FRZ typically extends in a pattern centred on the runway, and given the compact size of St Mary's island, this zone covers a significant portion of the main settlement area, including Hugh Town. If you wish to fly within the FRZ, you must obtain permission from the airport's Air Traffic Control before each flight.

Outside St Mary's, the other inhabited islands (Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher, St Agnes) are not directly affected by the airport FRZ, though you should always check the latest NOTAM information and use tools such as the NATS Drone Assist app to verify airspace restrictions before flying.

Best Practices for Flying on the Isles of Scilly

• Check the FRZ boundary before every flight using the NATS Drone Assist app or the CAA's online maps. St Mary's FRZ may cover more area than you expect.
• Contact the Duchy of Cornwall or the Council of the Isles of Scilly in advance to confirm whether drone take-off and landing is permitted at your chosen location.
• Avoid seabird colonies entirely during the breeding season (April to August). Even outside nesting season, keep a generous buffer from wildlife.
• Respect other visitors. The islands attract tourists seeking peace and natural beauty. Fly at quieter times and avoid hovering over beaches, walking paths, and historic sites.
• Carry spare batteries and be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Atlantic conditions can shift quickly, and strong winds are common.
• Be aware of boat traffic. Inter-island boats and pleasure craft operate frequently. Keep clear of harbours and landing stages.
• Fly early or late. Dawn and dusk offer better light for photography while avoiding peak visitor hours and reducing disturbance.

Penalties for Breaking Drone Laws

Breaching UK drone regulations can result in serious consequences. The CAA and police have powers to enforce the Air Navigation Order:

• Flying without valid registration (Flyer ID or Operator ID): fines up to £1,000
• Breaching FRZ restrictions or endangering aircraft: fines up to £2,500, or prosecution leading to an unlimited fine and up to five years' imprisonment for the most serious offences
• Disturbing Schedule 1 protected species: criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, carrying fines up to £5,000 per offence and potential imprisonment
• Flying recklessly or endangering persons or property: unlimited fine and/or imprisonment

Local enforcement on the Isles of Scilly is carried out by Devon and Cornwall Police in conjunction with the Council of the Isles of Scilly. Given the small, close-knit island community, irresponsible drone use is likely to be reported quickly.

Summary

The Isles of Scilly offer some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the British Isles, making them appealing for aerial photography. However, the combination of AONB status, Heritage Coast protections, Duchy of Cornwall land ownership, the St Mary's Airport FRZ, and internationally important seabird colonies means that responsible preparation is essential.

Before you fly, register with the CAA, check the FRZ boundaries, secure landowner permission, and confirm there are no active wildlife restrictions at your intended location. By planning ahead, you can capture extraordinary footage while respecting the delicate environment that makes these islands so remarkable.