Fleet Pond

Fleet Pond is in trouble as accumulated silt has become a real threat to the life of the pond. Natural England, the statutory body responsible for the monitoring of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s), has declared: “The condition of the Pond continues to deteriorate. There is little aquatic vegetation in the Pond or on the margins. Geese continue to graze around the edges of the Pond reducing the extent and quality of reed. High levels of suspended silt and algae are reducing water quality.” It would be a substantial setback if the Pond lost its protective SSSI status.

Anglers report that “Fishing has deteriorated due to shallow water and turbidity”. Wildlife listed in the Biodiversity Action Plan as being in need of protection include the Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Miner Bee, Marsh Cinquefoil and some of the rarer beetles and wetland invertebrates. Even some of our more common species have shown reductions in numbers and an area like Fleet Pond is essential as a safe feeding, roosting and breeding area. Bats (five species recorded), Song Thrush, House Martin, Water Rail, and various dragonflies and damselflies are becoming rarer countrywide and so an area like Fleet Pond is vital to provide a safe breeding environment.

Natural England has reiterated that the existing situation is not acceptable. It is an essential element of the recovery of Fleet Pond’s SSSI status that the inflow of silt is significantly reduced before measures can be taken to address what can be done to remove the accumulated volumes. Natural England has agreed that the measures in place on the Defence Estates are adequate. Measures are now needed to address the inflow of detritus silt. A silt survey in 2000 indicated that silt covering the bed of Fleet Pond was between 2 metres and 3 metres deep.

The Clearwater Campaign has been launched to restore Fleet Pond with a programme designed to create a healthy amenity for wildlife and people that serves the needs of the community now and for the foreseeable future. Fleet Pond Society, Hart District Council, Natural England, the Environment Agency, Fleet News & Mail and other interested parties are working together to plan and implement this restoration project. The Clearwater Campaign intends to raise awareness and funds by drawing on government and non-governmental sources wherever possible, although one body alone will not be able to fund, what is, a substantial restoration programme.

Of equal importance is the support of the local community from businesses and residents. This is a very popular local amenity and deserves to be kept in the best possible condition with a balanced and sustainable ecology.