Water Rail on Fleet Pond

The Water Rail on Fleet Pond have had a great year. While walking past the North East marsh (between Boat house Corner and Coldstream Marsh) you will be able to often hear the water rails calling to each other. They have a very distinctive call which is often explained as a squealing pig. Next time you are down by the pond have a listen to one of the most elusive birds on the pond. 

Water rails are related to Moor hens in the rail family and have large feet and long bills for catching small fish and invertebrates in the water. The are very secretive birds and will prefer to scuttle off through a dense reedbed than fly.

See you around the Pond

Louise Greenwood
Fleet Pond Countryside Ranger
Hart District Council