Photography
Visitors to Exeter Cathedral are welcome to take photographs and to share them with us across our social media channels (@ExeterCathedral). However, in line with our Safeguarding policy, pictures of the Choir are not permitted.
To arrange a professional visit for editorial or commercial still photography or filming, please contact our Marketing & Communications Manager.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Drones
Drone Use by Members of the Public
Exeter Cathedral does not permit members of the public to operate drones from or over its land or properties. This policy helps us preserve the special character of our buildings and grounds, protect our visitors and residents, and safeguard our historic and natural environment.
In addition to any requirements imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), unauthorised drone use may, depending on the circumstances and its impact, give rise to civil claims such as trespass, nuisance or harassment. Such matters are separate from CAA requirements and may be pursued by Exeter Cathedral or other affected parties.
There are also a number of practical reasons why we do not normally permit recreational or personal drone use:
- Safety: Exeter Cathedral has a duty to provide a safe environment for visitors, staff, clergy, tenants and contractors. It is not practicable for us to verify that every drone operated from or over our land is being flown safely and in accordance with all applicable requirements.
- Wildlife: We have Swift boxes and other areas supporting wildlife, particularly at higher levels of our buildings. Drones may disturb or distress birds and other wildlife, especially during breeding and nesting periods.
- Peace and tranquillity: Our visitors come to the Cathedral as a place of worship, reflection and quiet enjoyment. Drone operations can disrupt this atmosphere.
- Crowds: Drones must not be operated in ways that endanger or unduly expose people to risk. This can be particularly difficult to achieve when the Cathedral and its grounds are open to the public.
- Privacy: Some of our properties are homes to clergy, tenants and other residents. Drone operations, particularly those involving cameras, may intrude upon their privacy.
- Damage and liability: A drone could cause injury or damage to people, buildings or property. Drone operators may not have appropriate insurance to meet the costs of any resulting claim.
- Photography and filming: Most drones are equipped with cameras. Their use may conflict with Exeter Cathedral’s rules concerning photography and filming, which are intended in part to protect the privacy of staff, residents and visitors, including children and vulnerable adults.
- Security: Additional restrictions may be necessary to protect the security of the Cathedral, its visitors, residents and operations.
Drone Operations by Contractors
Exeter Cathedral occasionally uses drones for specialist purposes, such as roof surveys and high-level inspections. Such operations are commissioned only where there is a specific operational need and are carried out by carefully selected professional contractors.
In these circumstances, Exeter Cathedral can assess the contractor’s competence, qualifications, certification and experience; require appropriate levels of insurance; and impose conditions and controls designed to:
- protect the safety of visitors, staff, residents and contractors;
- protect privacy;
- minimise disturbance to wildlife; and
- protect our historic buildings and other property.
We do not normally respond to unsolicited approaches from contractors offering drone-related services.
Commercial Filming
Permission for drone use in connection with commercial filming may be granted in certain circumstances, subject to prior approval.
In general, the production company must meet competency, certification and insurance requirements comparable to those applicable to our professional contractors. The filming must be genuinely commercial and agreed in advance with our Clerk of Works Office.
A location fee and drone processing fee will apply.
Any permission granted will be subject to contractual conditions. Footage may be used only for the specific project for which permission has been granted. Further use, including inclusion in image libraries or other subsequent projects, is not permitted without separate written permission.
We do not grant permission for drone use for amateur or student filming. We also do not approve arrangements in which a drone operator seeks permission to fly in exchange for access to or use of the footage obtained.
Permission and Enquiries
Anyone wishing to undertake drone operations for an authorised Cathedral purpose should contact Exeter Cathedral in advance and obtain written permission before operating a drone from or over Cathedral land or property.
Permission to operate a drone from Cathedral land does not, in itself, remove the need for the operator to comply with all applicable aviation, privacy, data protection, health and safety, and other legal requirements.