Enhancing biodiversity in the new Kranji Marshes

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and National Parks Board (NParks) today officially opened Kranji Marshes, a 56.8-hectare freshwater marshland that is home to unique biodiversity. Mr Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, officiated the opening in conjunction with World Wetlands Day, which is celebrated on 2 February. SMS Lee planted a Keranji tree, a native tree which Kranji Road is named after, at the entrance to Kranji Marshes to mark the occasion. The tree was found in abundance all over Singapore in the first half of the 19th century.

The freshwater marshland along the north-western shore of Kranji Reservoir is an Environmental Improvement Project by URA and NParks. Located to the south of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji Marshes is part of the third phase of the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Masterplan. The Masterplan, conceptualised by NParks together with key stakeholders and partners, ensures that Sungei Buloh continues to be a living wetland and a tranquil sanctuary for wildlife.

After a concerted effort to sensitively enhance Kranji Marshes, it is now home to a rich array of flora and fauna, including more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies and 33 species of dragonflies. Together with Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, it provides an important habitat in the Kranji area for the conservation of biodiversity, especially marsh birds.

This unique nature area demonstrates the government’s commitment to conserve green spaces with rich biodiversity so that we can continue to enjoy a good quality living environment.

Strategies to retain and enhance biodiversity

The rejuvenation of Kranji Marshes plays a key role in retaining and enhancing Singapore’s biodiversity. Working closely with stakeholders such as Nature Society (Singapore) (NSS), strategies were developed to enhance existing habitats, sensitively provide compatible amenities, and facilitate visits to Kranji Marshes.

In the past, NSS volunteers helped to clear overgrown vegetation to build a more suitable habitat for wildlife. URA and NParks have since taken over the clearing, as well as introduced amenities in Kranji Marshes for visitors to learn more about the biodiversity found in the area.

Conscientious efforts were made to minimise the impact on wildlife and their habitats, such as ensuring that all works were done from a 50-metre setback from sensitive areas. Most structures were also prefabricated off-site and assembled on-site to minimise disturbance to the area. Instead of piling and disturbing the ground to build boardwalks, we used modular high-density cubes to form two floating boardwalks instead.

With the help of a consultant team, all facilities and amenities in the nature area were built with simple designs to blend in well with the environment. They were intentionally designed to be located away from the core conservation area as well, with the visitor’s centre located at an appropriate distance away from the marshlands. In addition, sustainable features such as skylights and green roofs were incorporated in the design of the facilities. A list of facilities can be found in Annex A.

With the opening of Kranji Marshes, visitors will be able to experience and learn about freshwater marshes. Interpretative signs have been put up to provide visitors with information on its signature bird species as well as the flora and fauna in its various habitats.

NParks will introduce a new guided walk of Kranji Marshes for the public from 27 February, conducted by NParks volunteers. The guided walk will provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the unique nature area and the biodiversity in its marsh, woodland and grass habitats. In addition, our partner NSS will offer guided walks from end February which will focus on bird watching for nature enthusiasts. The two guided walks complement each other by providing the public with the opportunity to visit and appreciate Kranji Marshes while minimising the impact to the wildlife in the area. Details on the public guided walks can be found in Annex B.

URA and NParks’ efforts in enhancing the Kranji Marshes has seen more resident and migratory bird species, including nationally threatened species such as the Purple Swamphen in the area.  NParks also successfully released several rescued Red-wattled Lapwings chicks at Kranji Marshes. More details of the wetlands restoration efforts and rehabilitation of the Lapwings can be found at Annex C. NSS also works closely with NParks to conduct regular bird census at Kranji Marshes, such as the Asian Waterbird Census. More details on the signature bird species at Kranji Marshes can be found at Annex D.

In addition, 29 Keranji trees were planted in Kranji Marshes. These are a callback to the original Keranji trees that used to be found in abundance in the area and gave Kranji its name. 

Annex A - List of facilities at Kranji Marshes 

Annex B - Kranji Marshes public guided walk

Annex C - Kranji Marshes wetlands restoration efforts

Annex D - Kranji Marshes signature bird species