Fleet Pond Nature Reserve — Attraction in Hart

Fleet Pond is a lake and biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Fleet in Hampshire. It is also a Local Nature Reserve.

Located on the northern edge of the town of Fleet in northeastern Hampshire, at 21 hectares (52 acres), Fleet Pond is Hampshire's largest freshwater lake. The Reserve’s reed beds, marshes, heathland and woodland provide sanctuary for a rich and diverse community of animal and plant life, including many that are no longer to be found in an ordered, farmed countryside. The lake is extremely shallow, with a maximum depth of 0.82 metres (2.69 ft) bathymetrically recorded in 2008.

The total area of the Reserve is 141 acres (0.57 km2) of which 118 acres (0.48 km2) is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This applies to the wetlands, the lake and the...

Lovely place to walk.

Some paths have recently been upgraded (as has the road to drive in), so accessibility has been greatly improved. Lots of benches dotted around the pathway for those who need a rest as they go round.

Parking is limited.

No toilets or cafe, but a nice picnic area with a few benches/tables to stop for your lunch or a snack.

Dogs on lead in certain areas (check maps) though otherwise off lead and under control is permitted. The pathway isn't fenced in all the way round, so beware there are areas a loose dog could escape to the neighbouring houses/roads. Access to the water in some places (main pond and surrounding streams), and of course watch out...

Scenic trails. Seems quite peaceful. Pond? More like a huge lake. Plenty of small bridges. Quite well maintained. No litter on the paths but would be good to see strategically placed bins. Boating centre on site. Plenty of decent fishing spots. Some paths are narrow so when you have dog walkers, cyclists etc. it can feel a bit crowded. Some good signposting on maps and a few boards on the wildlife and history. The entrance and exit on the main road could be better. Perhaps wider or less restrictive in view. Not too bad to enter but exiting off a blind corner on to a 50mph road can take a while. Would recommend...