The use of National Trust properties for kite flying is considered acceptable provided that effective controls are in place, particularly in respect of stunt kites. The 'individual' element in kite flying makes the licence approach difficult, but more could perhaps be done with regard to zoning and monitoring.

Guiding principles

1. The National Trust welcomes controlled kite flying on its land, recognising that in these circumstances the activity need not cause significant disturbance.

2. Particular care should be taken with regard to livestock, birds and other users, especially when stunt kites are being flown.

3. Kite flying should be discouraged on areas the National Trust wishes to retain as 'remote'.

Good practice

Provide site information to inform users and other visitors of controls.

Liaise with local kite flyers as much as possible and investigate opportunities for voluntary agreements where necessary which might specify levels of use, launching and landing points and seasonal restrictions.

Look for opportunities to provide occasional temporary kite flying, where there is local demand, on suitable tracts of farmland, eg set aside, stubble.

Trends

Membership of the Kite Society is thought to be about 2,500.

Possible impacts

• Danger to other users, particularly horse riders.
• Disturbance of livestock and wildlife, particularly ground-nesting birds.
• Parking congestion at some sites.
• Creation of new paths to launching and landing points.
• Visual intrusion.

Monitoring suggestions

Levels of use at different times of year, incidents of livestock and wildlife disturbance, and the effects of the activity on other users.

Contacts and liaison

The Kite Society
PO Box 2274,
Great Horkesley,
Colchester
CO6 4AY

References

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