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The two ponds were created during the 12th century when embankments were built across the low-lying land on Crookham Common to form two large fish ponds. Once stocked with fish the ponds attracted wildfowl and became an important food source for the local population.
Throughout the 13th & 14th century the ponds were managed by local monks.
In 1491 the ponds were leased to the tenant farmer of Fleet Farm for an annual rent of "one hundred fishes supplied fresh to Winchester".
Fast forward to 1904 and a new railway station was built by the ponds. In 1912 Geoffrey de Havilland conducted floatplane trials on the main pond.
During the second world war the ponds were drained and planted with willow to stop them being used as a marker for the Luftwaffe trying to bomb the RAE at Farnborough. The ponds were refilled in 1947 and reeds planted.
In 1973 Fleet Urban District Council purchased the ponds for £10,000; ownership was subsequently transferred to Hart District Council.
In 1976 the Fleet Pond Society was formed and by 1985 the circular footpath along with bridges and walkways was completed.