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Fleet Pond Local Nature Reserve is located on the northern edge of the town of Fleet, North-East Hampshire. The pond, at 21 hectares (52 acres), is Hampshire's largest freshwater lake. The total reserve area of 57 hectares (141 acres) is designated a Local Nature Reserve. Within this, 48 hectares (118.5 acres) is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This applies to the wetlands, the lake and the dry heathland.
Partner: Fleet Pond Society
Address: Fleet Pond Nature Reserve Fleet Hampshire United Kingdom
OS Grid ref: SU 820550
Opening hours: Available to the public at all times
Further information: The three recommended walks, marked by colour-coded posts, introduce you to a selection of wildlife habitats. Please keep to the well-used paths. Short Walk (Red Markers) 1km The red route will take you along woodland paths past the Dry Heath and one of the two open heathland areas. The route visits Boathouse Corner with its fishing jetty, designed for wheelchair use, and the Picnic Site with a good view of the lake, the fringing reedbed and the open marsh. Please note that the section of path between Boathouse Corner and the Picnic Site is a woodland walk with many tree roots to trip the unwary. Medium Walk (Yellow Markers) 3km This route takes a full circuit of the lake. The northern and western footpaths are suitable for wheelchairs and children carriers in all but the wettest weather. Excellent views of the lake can be had from the northern and north-western footpaths and from the Chestnut Grove landing stage. The path crosses Brookly Stream, one of the two feeder streams into the lake. The oldest section of Fleet Pond's woodlands, at Sandhills, has good specimens of oak and Scots pine. A carpet of bluebells appears in early spring. Coldstream Glade attracts butterflies, bees and other insects and Sandy Bay is a popular spot, with informal seats and good views. At Sandy Bay the Gelvert Stream enters the lake. Near Westover Road access point you will pass through an open glade where on warm, sunny days you can smell the pungent aroma of bog myrtle. Long Route (Blue Markers) 4km This follows the yellow route but extends to include Brookly Wood and Wood Lane Heath. Brookly Wood was once a private garden and contains some of the reserve's best beech trees. There are also 'exotics' here, such as bamboo, rhododendron and laurels. The footpath through Brookly Wood is narrow and can be very muddy in winter. Wood Lane Heath is a moist heath. Late July and August are the best times to see the heather in flower. The footpath skirts the heath and is informal but firm.
More Details available from: Colin Gray, Chairman, Fleet Pond Society
Email:
info@fleetpondsociety.co.uk
Tel: 01252 616183
