Why is it so important to conserve Tengah forest and Bukit Batok hillside park (BBHP) area? The physical and mental well-being of our residents living in the vicinity is also at stake.” “Although Bukit Batok Hillside Park area is relatively small and seemingly insignificant compared to other bigger forests in Singapore, it may well be our weakest link because any further disruption along this part of Bukit Batok nature corridor may irreversibly affect the safe movements of fauna (including pollinators and seed dispersers vital for our food security) between Western water catchment and Central catchment nature reserve. I hope that the forest can be spared from further removal for BTO (Build To Order) housing development in this area, especially since the application rates for the BTO launches in Bukit Batok have been relatively low.Īs noted in our feedback to the authorities last November: Bukit Batok hillside park area appears to have more invertebrate diversity than Bukit Batok nature park, probably because the latter was affected by the occasional thermal fogging carried out around the condominiums and petrol station in the vicinity. The trees in the forest are truly our friends, as they provide shade, fresh air and immune-boosting phytoncides, even as they prevent soil erosion and cool the urban heat island effect, among many other ecosystem services. (Top left map by 99.co photo by Jimmy Tan) Our climbing along the steep slopes shows us how important the trees are in holding the soil together, while also helping us to stabilise ourselves. Thanks to my hiking buddies, we had an immersive forest bathing experience, known in Japanese as “Shinrin-yoku” on 8 January afternoon. We are the eyes, ears and voice of the voiceless flora and fauna who cannot speak up for themselves.
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