Be Careful of Harmful Algal Blooms at Fleet Pond

Education, Plants and Animals

blue green algae

From Hart Countryside Services:

“Blue Green Algae occurs naturally but blooms like those at Fleet Pond occur when numbers become excessive. It is a temporary bloom and occurs during prolonged dry periods followed by rain. The rain flows through the catchment washing nutrients into the streams and ditches which then enter the pond in a process called eutrophication.

People should ensure that they do not enter the pond or make contact with the water. Toxins in the algae can cause skin rashes, eye irritation, fever, diarrhoea and fever in people who have swallowed or swam through algal scum. The toxins in the algae are also harmful to animals so pet owners should keep their animals away from the pond.

If people have made contact with the water they should not panic as the symptoms described above do not occur in every case. People are advised to wash their skin down after contact with the affected water but if symptoms persist people should visit a doctor. If their pets become ill after drinking affected water they should seek veterinary advice.”

Fleet Pond Artworks at Fleet Station

Miscellaneous, Photography

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Picture inspired by Coldstream Marsh, Jacob’s Wood and Willow Island

David Pottinger writes:

A few weeks ago I was waiting for a train to London at Fleet Station. It turned out that the train was 10 minutes late so, with nothing better to do, I started looking around at the various improvements to the station, including the new waiting room. On closer inspection, I noticed that there were some very attractive artworks on the walls of the latter and, going inside, I was very surprised to see that they were of the different parts of Fleet Pond! If you’re unfamiliar with the geography of Fleet Pond, see the map here.

The next time you’re taking a train in the direction of London, why not take a look? They’re very well done (see above and below).

Comment: I’ve been back twice to take some more photos but both times the waiting room was locked. Apparently there’s a technical fault with the press button door lock that they are aware of and presumably will sort out shortly.

Here are some photos that I took (click to enlarge). As you can see, the pictures are large and impressive:

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Picture inspired by Kenilworth Wood, Dry Heath and Fugelmere Bay

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Picture inspired by Coldstream Marsh, Jacob’s Wood and Willow Island

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Picture inspired by Lions’ View, Bramshot Wood and Boathouse Corner

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Picture inspired by Sandy Bay, East Marsh and Brookly Reedbed

 

A Reminder on the FPS Photographic Competition

Photography

The 2016 FPS Photographic Competition was announced earlier this year and has the theme, ‘Seasons’.

Why not take some suitable photos on a summer’s walk around the Pond?

Regarding the competition, please note that (see also here):

  • Entry is open to all amateur photographers
  • No entry fee
  • All entries must be received by 8th January 2017
  • “Photographer of the Year” will receive the annually awarded Rose Bowl donated by Fleet Photographic
  • All photographs must have been taken at Fleet Pond Nature Reserve (however please note that the taking of photographs using drones or aerial cameras is prohibited)
  • Up to 4 photographs per person
  • All photographs may be used by FPS for any purpose it chooses

Please send photos by email to photocomp@fleetpond.org.uk

All photographs received will be acknowledged and the winners will be announced at the FPS AGM in February 2017.

The above competition details are also available on the Society’s website together with pictures of winning and commended photos from previous years.

TripAdvisor and Fleet Pond

Walks

TripAdvisor-FleetPond-Aug-2016

David Pottinger writes:

There have now been 109 reviews of Fleet Pond on TripAdvisor, 62 of which rate it as excellent!

Take a look here for the full list of comments.

Why not add yours?

For a description of three recommended walks (short, medium and long) that are helpfully identified by colour-coded posts along the way, see here.

If you haven’t been to the Pond before, why not try it out this weekend? I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

FPS, Rio and Fleet Carnival 2016

Events, Fund Raising

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A good shot of the FPS Rio float travelling along Fleet Road (click to enlarge)

David Pottinger writes:

Fleet Pond Society (FPS) is well-known for the activities it carries out at the Pond and major projects include the Lions’ View platform and the new pond dipping jetty.

However FPS interacts with the local community in many other ways, including giving talks and presentations to increase awareness, and also participating in the famous Fleet Carnival.

Each year ideas are discussed by the FPS Committee and a team and approach are chosen. Then all the hard work starts in actually bringing the ideas to life!

From the Carnival web site:

This years Carnival theme is Rio.

The ideas for floats are endless, you can choose to base your entry on the Olympics as a whole, or one of the 42 sports that will be featured or the Rio Carnival.  The choice is yours!

Here are some photos from the FPS entry (special thanks to Terry Austin and Mandy Saxby for the float design and costumes respectively):

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Some of the FPS team at the start of the procession

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Introducing the very athletic Meercat members of the team…

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Michelle Salter, FPS Secretary, just about visible under the hat!

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Another shot of the colourful FPS float

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FPS Chairman, Colin Gray, in South American mode!