NParks and SPH plant seeds for Walk of Giants and Learning Forest

NParks and SPH plant seeds for Walk of Giants and Learning Forest

SINGAPORE - The National Parks Board (Nparks) and Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) planted two trees today along the proposed site for the SPH Walk of Giants at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

The SPH Walk of Giants is an elevated boardwalk in the forest that will showcase a collection of "giant" trees - most of which, in time, can grow up to at least 60m in height (or about 20 storeys high). It is one of several thematic walks planned for the Tyersall Learning Forest.

The event marks the start of development for the new 9.8 hectare learning forest. The extension will bring the total area of Singapore Botanic Gardens to approximately 74 hectares, according to a joint statement.

SPH's donation of $1.2 million, through NParks' Garden City Fund, will co-fund the construction of the elevated boardwalk, which will cost $2.4 million in total.

The boardwalk will take visitors from ground level up to a height of 8m and offer them an unobstructed view of the forest floor, mid-forest level and canopy. Visitors will also be able to appreciate at close range the flora and fauna found in the different layers of the forest.

There will be a Seed Drop Area, where visitors, especially students, can learn about seed dispersal methods and even test their own seed dispersal devices.

Mr Kenneth Er, CEO of NParks, said: "We are happy to partner Singapore Press Holdings in enhancing the tree flora of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The SPH Walk of Giants will provide a meaningful way for the public to learn about some of the most majestic trees in Singapore and the region."

Dr Lee Boon Yang, Chairman of Singapore Press Holdings, said: "The SPH Walk of Giants will be one of the new horticultural attractions for promoting botanical research and conservation. The learning forest marries our corporate citizenry efforts in education, as well as nature and conservation."

To be completed in 2016, the Tyersall Learning Forest will also feature a new freshwater swamp that will showcase wetland trees of the region such as wild nutmegs, Putat, Punggai, Ramin and other shrubs and herbaceous plants, according to the statement.

sinsh@sph.com.sg

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