Survey takes to the skies over Devon

The Tellus South West survey has now started in Devon. It involves a small aircraft flying at low altitude over the landscape, gathering geophysical data from the air. The survey is progressing steadily eastwards across the region, and may make one or two overflights over your property, but once these are completed the aircraft will not return.

The survey will collect data along parallel lines spaced every 200m, in a N-S direction. The survey will progress eastwards across Devon, flying over much of the county including the Plymouth, Bideford, Barnstaple, Okehampton and Totnes areas, finishing just west of Exeter in the coming weeks.

High-quality survey data
Airborne geophysical surveys rapidly generate high-quality data for large or inaccessible areas. They can provide new insights into bedrock geology and structure, mineral deposition, groundwater flow and accessibility, natural radiation levels such as radon, plus soil types and peat distribution.

Information gathered from the survey will help us to understand and contribute to the sustainable development and management of the South West of England.

The survey team is highly experienced and have completed many surveys of this type in the UK and across the world. The aircraft is a white Reims Cessna F406. The sound of the plane overhead is similar to that of a passing lorry.

If you are concerned that the survey may disturb sensitive livestock, including horses and poultry, or if you have any other concerns about the survey, please contact Tellus South West for further information:

Call the Tellus SW Information Line: 01752 931009 (standard network charges apply)
Email: TellusSW@nerc.ac.uk
Visit the BGS Website at: www.bgs.ac.uk/TellusSW