Although smaller in area than it once was, Fleet
Pond is still the largest body of fresh water in Hampshire. the
reserve, which has both SSSI and Local Nature Reserve status, covers
133 acres, of which 50 are water.
The origins of the pond are uncertain though it is
known to have been an important fishery by 1324. Most probably it was
created in the 12th century by the deliberate darnrning of a natural
watercourse. Its waters supplied fish to the Dean and Chapter of
Winchester and their tenants until 1854, when the pond was purchased
by the Crown as part of the Aldershot military estate. it remained the
property of the army until 1972 when it was sold to Fleet U.D.C.,
later to become Hart District Council.
Today the reserve is managed by Hart D.C. in
conjunction with Fleet Pond Society to whom I am Indebted for the
information given above.
In terms of flora and fauna there is much to
interest the observer at Fleet pond NNR. There is a good mix of
habitats round the perimeter of the pond including deciduous and
coniferous woodland, wet heath, dry heath, marsh and reedbeds. To the
birdwatcher, the latter are of particular importance, offering food,
shelter and breeding habitat to an interesting range of species
including Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler and, from time to time, Sedge
Warbler. These same reedbeds afford safe haven for a number of
species during the winter months, notably Water Rail (every winter and
sometimes in summer), Bitterm (most winters) and Bearded Tit (some
winters).
More closely associated with a waterside habitat and
present throughout the year are Great Created Grebe, Grey heron, Mute
Swan, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. Cormorants
are present for nine months of the year whilst Teal, Shoveler, Pochard
and Tufted Duck frequent the pond mainly but not exclusively during
the winter months.
Woodland covers some 50 acres of the reserve and
provides habitat for a number of breeding species which includes
Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and all three
species of woodpecker.
Fleet Pond repays patient, regular observation and
over the years there have been many sightings of unusual wildfowl,
raptors, waders, gulls, torn and passerines - the Citrine Wagtail of
May 1993 is but an example!
There is of course more to the reserve than just the
birds - bats, dragonflies and fungi come to mind, for example, and a
perimeter footpath, approx. 1.5 miles in length, makes for ease of
access and observation.
The reserve is easily reached by road and rail. The
railway station is adjacent to the pond and there is free parking at
weekends. in addition, numerous roads lead down to the edge of the
pond.
On the map, the B3014 Cove Road has now been
upgraded to A3013, leading to Junction 4A on the M3. There is an
official car park signposted from this road.
