Fleet pond is a bit of a misnomer of a description – it is in fact Fleet Pond is the largest fresh water lake in Hampshire and the nature reserve totals 54.6 hectares in size.  It is located near the station at Fleet Hampshire.  The pond is a local nature reserve and as such is a haven for wildlife.  The pond is also surrounded by woodlands and 3 walking trails currently run round the location.

Fleet Pond is run by Hart District council – this is their <a title=”Hart District Council – Fleet Pond” href=”http://www.hart.gov.uk/index/leisure/leisure-countryside/leisure-countryside-places_to_go/leisure-fleet_pond.htm” target=”_blank”>information page</a> on the location.

It is also supported by the <a title=”Fleet Pond Society” href=”http://www.fleetpond.fccs.org.uk/” target=”_blank”>Fleet Pond Society</a> – they also have a <a title=”Fleet Pond Blog” href=”http://fleetpond.wordpress.com/” target=”_blank”>blog</a> and run an annual photographic competition for photographs taken at the pond.  This is open to FPS Member and Non-Members.

For photographic visitors there is the obvious attraction of wild birds to photograph on the lake – species include Great Crested Grebes, Cormorants, Several Gull species, Kingfishers and the ubiquitous Mallard Duck.  The surrounding habitats offer chances of photographing woodland and scrubland birds and mmamals too.  In autumn the trees turn to give the landscaper some great autumn colours to go with year round views over the lake.  Autumn also sees a large variety of fungi that can also make good photographic subjects.

The place is popular with locals for fishing and dog walking and is generally busy at weekends.  There are several access points to the reserve – including from the station car park.

OS Grid Reference : SU 81714 55216