No low flying for military aircraft confirmed for Cley & Salthouse Marshes

The Royal Air Force confirmed today that its seasonal Environmental Avoidance areas above Cley and Salthouse Marshes be extended to include Cley Village and from 1 April 2015 would be a year round ban on low flying military aircraft.

Following concerns raised by Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Cley Parish Council, local residents and North Norfolk MP, Norman Lamb, the extent of the Cley avoidance zone was reviewed by the RAF and the Minister of State for Defence personnel Welfare and Veterans, Anna Soubry.  This was part of a wider review of avoidance zones.

The review took account of the proximity of Cley village to NWT Cley Marshes and the potential for “flight safety hazards outside the breeding season posed by migrating geese”.  The changes would reduce the “potential risk of mid-air collision caused by the funnelling of aircraft routeing between Environmental Avoidance areas.”

The decision was made following the review in March 2015 and also follows on from the Accident Investigation report last July which confirmed “multiple bird strikes” as the likely cause of the fatal USAF helicopter crash undertaking low flying exercises above Cley Marshes.

Chief Executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Brendan Joyce, said “We are extremely pleased at the Royal Air Force’s decision. The significance for the safety of people and wildlife is great.  We none of us can forget the tragic circumstances in which four military lives were lost last year and we hope that this decision will mean safer skies over Cley.

Chairman of Cley Parish Council, Richard Kelham, said “The residents of Cley have had longstanding concerns over low-flying aircraft and we are extremely relieved at the decision.”