Surprises aplenty at Admiralty Park's new trail

Dhany Osman, Straits Times 12 Oct 08;
Keep your eyes peeled when you stroll through the newly opened 20ha nature trail area of Admiralty Park.

A species of the common munia - a tiny bird - may be spotted among the lallang, or tall wild grass. Up in the trees, in the forest area, a squirrel may be watching.

And, in a wink, mudskippers hop from one part of the mangrove area to another.

The 2km trail - part of Phase 2 of the Admiralty Park project - promises a wide variety of flora and fauna, not all commonly seen, as visitors traipse through the three habitats: open grassland, forest and mangrove.
Ms Sharon Chan, National Parks' (NParks') assistant director of conservation, was excited by the prospect of the biodiversity available in the area.

A nature lover who has worked some 15 years with NParks, she readily volunteered her expertise to the park's development.

One concern was ensuring that the new species introduced there would keep the area's eco-system 'balanced'.

This meant careful selection of which areas to clear and which new species to plant, to enhance the environment while not disrupting its natural ambience.

To increase awareness of the area's flora and fauna, signs inform visitors of what to look out for.

Ms Chan pointed out that, for instance, the munias are so small - an adult is no more than 10cm to 12cm tall - that a visitor would normally not notice these tiny birds.

She hopes the nature area of the park will appeal to 'people with a sense of adventure' for such simple joys.

Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, an MP for Sembawang GRC, attended the Phase 2 opening ceremony as guest of honour earlier this month.

He was joined by other ministers and the chief executive officer of NParks, Mr Ng Lang, for a guided tour of the area.

'The mangrove swamp and lallang areas bring back old memories,' said Mr Khaw, referring to his kampung childhood in Penang.

'In a city like Singapore, I think you need little pockets of the wild and natural.'

Phase 1 was opened in October last year, boasting features such as Wi-Fi hot spots, an amphitheatre and jogging paths.

The entire Admiralty Park project is budgeted by NParks at $8.6million.