Fleet Pond Local Nature Reserve
Location: Fleet
[A location map of the pond can be viewed at: www.natureonthemap.org.uk]
Access: The Pond has many access points around its perimeter, however, visitors are recommended to use the car park off the Cove Road, or take a train or bus to the Fleet Train Station that lies on the northern boundary of the lake.
Terrain: Surfaced and unsurfaced pathways.
Facilities: Picnic site, jetties, boardwalks, interpretation signs and maps, bird watching areas, Parking off the Cove road (A3013). Boat launch at Chestnut Grove.
This designated site of special scientific interest (SSSI) is home to many species of interesting wildlife - several of which are unique to the habitat. The area is managed in partnership with the Fleet Pond Society who provide generous support to the Countryside Rangers as well as providing exciting volunteer opportunities for the local community.
Fleet Pond is the largest fresh water lake in Hampshire and the nature reserve has 54.6 hectares (135 acres) of varied habitats for the enjoyment of the local community. The pond itself occupies about half this area. The picturesque 21.4 hectare (53 acre) water was recorded in Saxon times as "Fugelmere" and supplied fish to the monks of St. Swithins (now the Cathedral) at Winchester.
The surrounding land features many rare habitats including heathland, woodland and marsh. Because of the variety of habitat, visitor may see any of the 180 kinds of birds, (50 of which regularly breed) 26 types of butterfly, 21 dragonflies or 400 wild flowers many of which are nationally or internationally important.
Fleet Pond is twined with Poole Borough Council's Ham Common. The two local authority reserves have many similar features. The idea of twinning came from conversations between Peter Martin of Fleet Pond Society and Ian Rabjohns, bird and butterfly recorder at Ham Common about how beneficial it would be to share common interests, concerns and ideas. Helping both reserves in providing excellent facilities for wildlife and the people who use them.
Views to the pond have recently been opened up by removing scrub at both Kenilworth viewpoint on the south-side of the pond, and in the reedbed in the north east marsh.
An area adjacent to the dry heath area is also being restored back to heathland by a process known as scraping. This involves removing the top layer of nutrient rich soil so that heathland plants can thrive in their preferred low nutrient soils. Scraping has been carried out in other areas on the heath and has been highly successful.
Fishing and boating is allowed during the period between 16th June to 14th March. To fish at Fleet Pond a permit from Hart District Council is required. These are available from the reception desk in The Harlington Centre, or ‘Tackle Up’ on Fleet Road. Also required is an Environment Agency rod licence which is available from the Post Office or the Environment Agency website.
Permits are priced accordingly:
- Day Permits £3.50
- Adult Seasonal £17.50
- Junior Seasonal £7.00
- Boat Fishing £25.00
- Boating (not fishing) £22.00
Fishing is only from a boat or an approved fishing jetty, site by-laws apply.
An excellent variety of walks for all abilities are to be found within the reserve. Whether you are visiting for a short trip with the children or looking for something a bit more challenging.
Fleet Pond Brochure
A series of nature walks of various lengths are clearly marked throughout the area, download the fleet ponds brochure for maps, walks and more information
- Fleet Pond Brochure
PDF - 338 KB
- Fleet Pond Brochure
PDF - 338 KB
