The Fleet Pond Restoration Project is going really well! We are coming to the end of the first phase with works starting on the 5th island this week.So far the diggers have deepened the centre of the lake and used the sediment (mainly sand and clay) to create central islands. These central islands will create a windbreak, in order to reduce the wave action across the lake which stirs up the silt and makes the water murky. This “turbidity” prevents light from reaching the lake bed, so plants can’t grow.
The dredging equipment is leaving Fleet Pond on 31st March. They will return in August to continue the Fleet Pond Restoration Project
The dredging must stop during this period to avoid disturbance to the nesting birds and infringement of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The Fleet Pond Restoration Project has only been possible with the funding from our partners. Hart District Council has raised funds through Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship grant of £173,000 & their Water Framework Directive (WFD) of
£142,000; Environment Agency WFD Grants of £100,000 as well as funding approximately £100,000 through developers contributions.
For more information about the Fleet Pond Restoration Project Email Countryside@hart.gov.uk
