SINGAPORE – Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was fully opened to the public on Saturday (Oct 22) after a two-year closure.
During its closure, National Parks Board (NParks) carried out restoration works such as repairing and enhancing slopes and trails, as well as restoring the forest habitat.
In the same period, a two-year biodiversity survey was also conducted to help provide better understanding of the conservation status and distribution of plants and animals.
Minister for National Development and second Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong, together with Advisers of Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, planted two Endocomia canarioides trees to mark the occasion.
The main road leading to the summit was the first to be opened to visitors on weekends in April 2015. The Dairy Farm Loop was also subsequently reopened on weekends starting August 2016.
NParks said in a statement that it had also carried out sensitive enhancements to protect the Reserve’s biodiversity, such as enrichment planting to enhance the forest habitat, as well as the installation of a raised boardwalk at several sections to minimise the impact of trampling on leaf litter organisms and soil compaction on tree roots.
A variety of sustainable features were also installed at the Visitor Centre, including the provision of skylight panels at the exhibition gallery to reduce the need for electrical lighting, and the repurposing of windows into terraces for planter beds.
Upgraded amenities around the Visitor Centre also include a toilet block with a wash bay, drinking fountain and benches.
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