Use of National Trust properties for hang-gliding and paragliding is not great due to the specific requirements of the activity, such as topography and terrain. Current levels of use are generally acceptable, largely as a result of working closely with national and local clubs. A national precedent agreement for gliding on Trust sites has been prepared in conjunction with the British Hang-Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA).

Guiding principles

1. The National Trust welcomes controlled hang-gliding and paragliding on its land, recognising that these activities seldom cause significant disturbance provided particular care is taken with regard to livestock and birds.

2. There are management benefits associated with licence arrangements and so the National Trust should ensure their continued implementation.

Good practice
Liaise closely with local clubs and BHPA representatives locally and nationally.

Provide site information to inform users and other visitors of the various controls. Ivinghoe Beacon, Thames & Chilterns

Liaise with local clubs as much as possible and consider the formation of local access groups where participation in airsports is considerable. Mam Tor, East Midlands

As part of a flying licence specify numbers on site, in the air and attending events, define parking, landing and take-off points and provide for seasonal restrictions where necessary.

Ensure there is close liaison with local clubs in respect of risk assessment, each party should carry out its own assessment. Devil's Dyke, Southern

Hang-gliding and paragliding may not be considered appropriate on areas the Trust wishes to retain as 'remote'.

Monitoring suggestions
Monitor levels of use at different times of the year. Review licences annually to examine the effects of the activity, particularly on the interests of farm tenants, neighbours and other users.

Trends
Membership of the British Hang-Gliding and Paragliding Association is around 12,000 and is static. There are some 200 clubs.

Possible impacts

• Danger to other visitors.
• Disturbance to livestock and wildlife, especially birds on sea cliffs.
• Spectators can cause congestion at busy sites.
• Creation of new paths to launching and landing points.
• Visual intrusion.

Contacts and liaison

British Hang-Gliding and Paragliding Association
The Old School Room,
Loughborough Road,
Leicester
LE4 5PJ

Tel: 0116 261 1322
Contact: Sites Director

Legislation, codes and agreements
The overall body in charge of airspace rules is the Civil Aviation Authority. Article 51 of the Air Navigation Order (1985) states that:

'A person shall not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property.'

In 1997 charges associated with licences ranged from £95 to £350 per annum.

If a BHPA-registered school is operating on Trust property, then this should not necessarily be a reason for increasing the annual fee over and above that levied against a BHPA-registered club. The ethos of BHPA-registered schools is to provide new members, trained to a very high standard, who will join local clubs and the BHPA. The potential income for instructors is modest and commercial rates might ultimately damage the sport.

References
British Hang-Gliding and Paragliding Association - 'SkyWings', monthly national magazine, and 'Club Bulletin', monthly news-sheet.

Elson, M.J. (1992). Planning and Provision for Airsports. Facilities Factfile 3. Countryside and Water Recreation, Sports Council, London.