Diggerland UK Drone Flying Policy

At Diggerland UK, we are committed to ensuring the safety, privacy, and enjoyment of all our visitors and staff. To comply with UK aviation laws and maintain a secure environment, drone operations are strictly regulated on our premises.

1. General Drone Use Guidelines

  • Permission Requirement: All drone operations on Diggerland UK property are strictly prohibited unless written permission is granted by Diggerland UK. Drone operators must submit a request for permission at least 5 working days prior to the intended flight date by emailing marketing@diggerland.com.
  • Private Property Rights: As a private landowner, Diggerland UK has the authority to impose restrictions on drone usage, and these policies are enforceable under UK law.

2. Drone Operator Licensing & Documentation

Drone operators must comply with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, and must provide the following documentation prior to obtaining permission to fly a drone at Diggerland UK:

  • Flyer ID and Operator ID: For drones over 250g, the operator must hold a valid Flyer ID and Operator ID. For drones under 250g, only an Operator ID is required.
  • Public Liability Insurance: Drone operators must provide proof of public liability insurance that covers drone operations, ensuring coverage for any potential damage, injury, or legal infringements.

Failure to provide these documents will result in refusal of permission to fly.

3. Flight Restrictions & Legal Compliance

Drone operators must adhere to the following legal and safety restrictions, in accordance with CAA guidelines:

  • Altitude Limit: Drones must not exceed 120 meters (400 feet) above the ground.
  • Line of Sight: Drones must remain within the operator’s visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times during flight.
  • No Overflights of Buildings/Attractions: Drones are not permitted to hover or fly over buildings, attractions, or areas where people are present unless explicitly authorised by Diggerland UK. This is to protect the safety and privacy of visitors.

Safe Distances:

  • A minimum distance of 50 meters must be maintained from buildings, vehicles, and people not under the operator’s control.
  • A minimum distance of 150 meters must be maintained from large gatherings (e.g., events, queues, or busy areas).

Machinery Safety:

  • Drones must not be flown near or over moving heavy construction machinery.
  • Operators must maintain a minimum safe distance of 50 meters from operational machinery.
  • Drone flights must not interfere with park operations or distract machinery operators. Diggerland UK reserves the right to designate no-fly zones around active machinery.

4. Privacy & Data Protection Compliance

Diggerland UK places a high priority on safeguarding the privacy of visitors, especially vulnerable individuals, in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other UK data protection laws.

  • Recording Restrictions: Drone operators must not capture images or videos of any individuals, especially vulnerable people (e.g., children, individuals in care, or those fleeing domestic violence), without explicit prior consent.

  • Surveillance: Drones must not be used for surveillance purposes unless appropriate legal permissions have been obtained. Unauthorised recording or surveillance may result in legal action, including removal from the premises.

  • Right to Privacy: Visitors to Diggerland UK have a legal right to privacy, and drone operators must respect this. Drone flights must not infringe upon this right by filming or recording individuals without consent, especially in sensitive areas.

5. Specific Location Restrictions

Drone operations may be subject to additional location-based restrictions:

  • Kent Park (ME2 2NU): Due to proximity to Rochester Airport and a railway line, drone flights may be subject to Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs) and require permission from air traffic control. Drones must not be flown near or over the railway line. Network Rail regulations must also be followed to ensure no interference with train operations.

  • Devon Park (EX15 2PE): The presence of fishing lakes requires compliance with local environmental regulations. Diggerland UK reserves the right to restrict drone use in certain areas for environmental safety.

  • Yorkshire Park (WF10 5NW) & Durham Park (DH7 9TT): Drone operators must verify any Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in place before flying.

6. Safeguarding and Safety

  • Vulnerable Individuals: Drone operators must exercise caution and respect when flying near or over areas where vulnerable individuals may be present (e.g., children, individuals in care). No drone should be flown in a manner that causes distress, harm, or discomfort to visitors.
    • Safeguarding Clause: “Drone operators must not film or record vulnerable individuals, including children or people in care, without explicit consent. Any use of drones for surveillance or other purposes must be legally authorised.”
  • Harassment Prevention: Drones must not be flown in a way that could cause harassment, distress, or discomfort to any individual. All drone activity should be conducted with respect for the privacy and safety of visitors.

7. Enforcement and Compliance

  • Immediate Termination of Drone Operations: Diggerland UK reserves the right to immediately terminate any drone operation that is found to be in violation of this policy, poses a safety risk, or disrupts park activities. Non-compliant drone operators will be asked to leave the premises.

  • Removal from Premises: Operators failing to comply with this policy or who are found to be flying in violation of UK law may be removed from the premises and face potential legal action.

  • Liability: Drone operators are fully responsible for any damage, injury, or legal infringements resulting from their drone activities at Diggerland UK. Failure to comply with CAA regulations, this policy, or other applicable laws may result in legal action, including potential criminal penalties for violations.

8. Railway Proximity (Kent Park Only)

Due to the presence of the railway line near Kent Park, drone operators must adhere to Network Rail regulations to prevent interference with train operations and protect the safety of passengers and infrastructure. Drones must not be flown over or near the railway lines.

9. Review & Amendments

This policy is subject to change in accordance with updates to CAA regulations, privacy laws, and Diggerland UK operational needs. All drone operators are required to review and comply with the most up-to-date policy version, which will be provided before granting permission to fly.

Contact Information:

For enquiries or to request permission to operate a drone at Diggerland UK, please contact:

Important Notice:

By requesting permission to fly a drone at Diggerland UK, operators confirm their understanding and acceptance of all terms outlined in this policy. Non-compliance with any part of this policy may result in immediate cessation of drone activities and removal from Diggerland UK property.

Last updated: 10th March 2025