The newly opened Springleaf Nature Park allows families to enjoy getting close to nature without disturbing more sensitive wildlife.

Have you visited the recently opened Springleaf Nature Park, explored the Wallace Trail at Dairy Farm Nature Park, or strolled through any of the other nature parks in Singapore? Have you wondered what is the difference between a nature park and any other park?

In an increasingly built-up landscape, our constant challenge is to strike a balance between development needs and the conservation of native biodiversity.

Nature parks, such as Hindhede Quarry Nature Park, act as a buffer between urban development and our nature reserves, to reduce the impact of visitors on the reserves.

Nature parks are green buffers that serve to reduce pressures and stresses on our nature reserves. They are traditionally used as a tool to help to minimise the impact of human visitors on areas of high conservation value and are commonly located at the edges or near nature reserves, where much of Singapore's remaining biodiversity reside.

A Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is indeed a rather common sight at some of the nature parks, including Springleaf.

Green buffers help to ensure that these sensitive core areas within the reserves are minimally disturbed so that they can maintain their role as an effective refuge for plants and animals that depend on these core areas for their survival.

The number of visitors to nature reserves have increased over the years as people become more aware of the benefits of regular exercise, or as more people take an interest in enjoying the outdoors. The resulting impact include trail widening, erosion, and soil compaction. Not everyone understand that the cumulative effects of their activities can lead to habitat degradation and fragmentation in the reserves, eventually disrupting the normal behaviour, movement and dispersal patterns of our native flora and fauna.

It is not just birds that call Springleaf Nature Park home. The Oriental Swamp Eel.(Monopterus albus) is a curious denizen of the canal in the park. This eel is usually nocturnal, coming out only at night to feed.

Moreover, pressures such as overcrowding may unwittingly increase the chances for undesirable human-wildlife interactions which in turn create unhappiness towards some animals or nature in general. Nature parks are therefore developed to relieve such pressures by diverting visitors away from the nature reserves.

In addition to serving as a safe haven for native species, our nature parks also help to conserve more green spaces for migratory birds that have travelled from as far north as Siberia. Using Singapore as one in a series of stopovers along one of the world’s greatest flyways, the East Asian Australasian Flyway, migratory birds transit here on the way to their wintering grounds in the south.

The White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is one of several kingfisher species found in nature parks across Singapore, including Springleaf.

These birds must make regular pit-stops along the way to rest and refuel in order to survive the long and arduous journey. Nature parks are an effective way to maintain Singapore’s role as a critical stopover and increase the survival rate of migratory birds in a world where green spaces are fast disappearing.

Springleaf Nature Park is an example of NParks’ latest efforts in local conservation. Officially opened by the Minister of State, Desmond Lee, in November last year, the ecological significance of the nature park lies in its proximity to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and the level of biodiversity present. Its establishment expands the range for our biodiversity while buffering and managing visitorship to our nature areas.

Springleaf Nature Park’s proximity to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, and relatively rustic environment, makes it an attractive place for birds to rest and feed. More than 80 species of birds can be spotted here, making it a suitable spot for birdwatching.

At its observation deck, birdwatchers can spot more than 80 bird species at the nature park. Those seeking an alternative venue for exercise will also find this nature park perfect as it is conveniently located next to the Park Connector Network. This nature park offers a gentle interface between humans and nature, giving the young, the old and the uninitiated a taste of nature in their own backyard.

Thus, as can be seen, nature parks play important roles in our environment by relieving pressures on our nature reserves and conserving more green spaces for our biodiversity, to providing an alternative venue for nature-based activities and promoting a healthy lifestyle. play an important role in providing all with a space to enjoy.

Text by Chenny Li
Photos of fauna by Ryuta Teo

Visit a nature park today. Start by downloading any of the nature park trail guides today.