The RSPB issued the next stiff reminder of the regulation to media contacts earlier at present:
Pressing Media Alert: Drone and Helicopter exercise over RSPB Minsmere wildfire
For rapid consideration of Information Desks, Image Desks and Aviation Groups
We’re conscious of elevated media curiosity within the hearth at and across the Minsmere space in Suffolk. We wish to remind all broadcasters, aerial operators and freelance media groups that Minsmere contains nationally essential wildlife habitats protected as a Website of Particular Scientific Curiosity (SSSI).
The usage of drones and low-flying helicopters over delicate areas of the reserve could cause vital disturbance to breeding birds and different wildlife, significantly through the breeding season. Disturbance may end up in birds abandoning nests, exposing eggs and chicks to predation or adversarial climate, and disrupting feeding and resting behaviour.
Media organisations planning any aerial filming ought to notice that Pure England’s consent is required for flights over SSSI land the place operations might injury or disturb protected options and wildlife pursuits. Operators should guarantee they’ve obtained all essential permissions earlier than enterprise any aerial exercise.
We’re due to this fact asking all information organisations, helicopter operators and drone pilots to keep away from flying over essentially the most delicate wildlife areas recognized on the connected map. These areas are highlighted in inexperienced and ought to be handled as a no-fly zone for media gathering actions.
Accountable reporting is significant, however it’s equally essential that protection of the incident doesn’t inadvertently create further impacts on internationally and nationally essential wildlife.
For additional recommendation on aerial filming within the Minsmere space and the related permissions required, please contact Pure England earlier than enterprise any flights over the location.
Please flow into this info to reporters, editors, image desks, helicopter operators and drone groups.
Ends.
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