Those in the slope soaring community will most likely be aware that model flying at St Agnes has been banned by the National Trust until we are able to agree a License. This ban, which applies to the whole of the St Agnes SSSI all the way down to Godrevy, has a legal basis and anyone flying there now is open to prosecution and a very substantial fine.

In late May, shortly after I was elected to my current role, I circulated the attached note (see St Agnes Model Flying Ban link below) to all South West Area Clubs saying that no BMFA Member should fly at St Agnes until we have obtained this License. This note was prompted by the fact that an individual had been seen flying there and reported to the National Trust. No doubt this individual’s action was seen by the National Trust as non-cooperation because they immediately placed negotiations with our Team on hold.

It is apparent from social media that people are still flying models at St Agnes. This can only further harm our cause even if no immediate concern is shown by passers-by and that there is no local signage to advise flyers.

There is no easy route through this difficult situation. For the time being our model flying community has to adhere to the ban and not fly at St Agnes.

Continuing to fly at St Agnes despite the ban may well lead to our not obtaining this License at all. There is also the fact that many other flying sites are at risk, many administered by the National Trust. The National Trust’s hands are tied by the legal requirements of Natural England. The National Trust’s helpful policy towards model flyers in general has not changed, they need our support in this matter. To make progress we have to show that we are a cooperative and disciplined community, therefore do not fly at St Agnes until this License has been agreed.

with kind regards,

Chris Morton

Secretary, BMFA South West Area

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