Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Extension to open on 6 December 2014

New nature area for recreation and education,  and six new guided walks conducted by volunteers

20 November 2014 – Student volunteers from Regent Secondary School gathered at the new Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR) Visitor Centre at Kranji Way today to prepare for the opening of the SBWR extension, that will take place in two weeks’ time on 6 December 2014. With the opening of the new visitor centre, new programmes will be offered at SBWR.  Six new guided walks will be conducted on Saturdays by the student volunteers.

SBWR is the largest mangrove forest in Singapore, and is home to almost half (33 of 73) of true mangrove plant species in the world. The Reserve became Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003, and is recognized as a site of international importance for migratory birds. The 31-hectare extension has rich mangrove and coastal forests, which are home to diverse species of fauna such as crabs and mudskippers and complements the habitats in SBWR (Neo Tiew area). It will be able to provide new outdoor recreational and educational activities that the SBWR (Neo Tiew area) will not be able to.

New attractions

Highlights of the extension include new attractions like the Mud Experience, Mid-canopy Walk, and coastal boardwalk. Visitors can step onto the mudflats duringlow tide at the Mud Experience - a dedicated area to get up close with creatures living in the mud. The Mid-canopy Walk immerses visitors in the understory of a secondary forest through an elevated boardwalk where they can spot birds (likePied Fantails) and insects (like Cicadas) that forage and reside in the mid-canopy region. The coastal boardwalk offers a scenic and unhindered view of the Kranji waterfront with a lookout point where raptors like the Ospreys and White-bellied Sea Eagle can be observed hunting for prey. 

New Guided Walks

Visitors will learn more from the volunteers about what is present in the water, mangroves, mud, and skies around SBWR through the new guided walks. Two guided walks have been developed specially for children under 12 years old. Featuring Muddy - a mudskipper that resides at SBWR - the guided walks encourage children to identify common species of flora and fauna found at the Reserve, and also help them to understand complex concepts like food webs and the need for conservation.

 “The SBWR extension presents a host of invaluable new opportunities for visitors of all ages to experience nature and learn about the importance of conservation. We are grateful for the many volunteers who have stepped forward to conduct the new guided walks for public on Saturdays. We hope that their commitment to sharing knowledge will result in the instillation of love for nature amongst even more Singaporeans,” said Sharon Chan, Deputy Director, Conservation, NParks.

Volunteers themselves have been enriched through their volunteer efforts at SBWR. Principal of Regent Secondary School Mr Phua Huat Chuan said, “Our students have shared with me that they look forward to being at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as they feel refreshed after spending time with nature. Through preparing for, and conducting the guided walks, they have also picked up life skills in the areas of organisation and communication, which will better equip them for life. Our positive experience volunteering at the Reserve has led us to encourage more students from our own school, and eventually other schools, to volunteeras well.Members of the public who are interested to volunteer at SBWR may email nparks_sbwr@nparks.gov.sg.

The SBWR extension will officially open to the public on 6 December 2014.

For more information on the SBWR extension and guided walks, please refer to the media factsheets appended.

Factsheet: SBWR Extension

Factsheet: SBWR New Guided Walks