Drone over the Wetlands

[Christine <>]

Hi all,

yesterday while birding from Cygnus Hide I was surprised and upset to see a drone flying over Kelly's swamp and the boardwalk.

Shorty and I went to investigate, and found two men sitting on a bench near to the office operating the drone. We informed the men that it was illegal to fly the drone so close to the airport, and also in a Nature reserve.

We were then subjected to a torrent of abuse, swearing and attempted intimidation by the pair. they seemed to have no idea about any of the rules around where they could fly the drone, and also seemed to have feelings of ownership and entitlement over the wetlands as they had been visiting regularly (and filming) over the past few months.

They said there was no sign about not flying drones at the wetlands, and I said that as the operators of the drone it was their responsibility to know the rules. The wetlands are within 3 km of the airport, so a definite no-fly zone.

They did then bring the drone in, but would not leave the area, just kept badgering us to leave, and insulting us. We did walk off, and can only hope they went without flying their drone again.

The whole incident was very upsetting, and will presumably occur again as drones are so easily available.

However, these two were obviously out of order, and likely to reoffend, and it would be good to be able to identify them and report them. I have photos of them with the drone inside the Nature reserve, but no way to find out who they are ...

Christine.

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