Singapore's largest freshwater marshland in Kranji opens to visitors

Singapore's largest freshwater marshland in Kranji opens to visitors

SINGAPORE - The largest freshwater marshland in Singapore was officially opened on Monday morning (Feb 1) by Mr Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development in conjunction with World Wetlands Day which falls on Feb 2.

Located along the north-western shore of Kranji Reservoir and south of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, the enhanced Kranji Marshes is now home to a rich array of flora and fauna, the National Parks Board (NParks) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said in a statement today.

Kranji marshes is home to more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies and 33 species of dragonflies.

Nationally threatened bird species such as the purple swamphen, as well as resident and migratory bird species are making a comeback at Kranji Marshlands, the two statutory boards said in a joint statement. Several rescued red-wattled lapwings chicks at Kranji Marshes were also released there.

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Stakeholders such as The Nature Society Singapore (NSS) were involved in the rejuvenation plans to enhance existing habitats at the Kranji Marshes.

Previously, 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.

The visitor's centre has been intentionally located at a distance away from the marshlands to help protect the core conservation area, the statement said.

There are also interpretative signs with information on Kranji Marshland's signature bird species, the flora and fauna in its various habitats.

NParks will conduct a two-hour guided walk on Saturday evenings once a month from Feb 27 which will cover a distance of approximately 3km.

NSS will also offer 3-hour guided walks at the 56.8-hectare Kranji Marshes from end February which will focus on bird watching for nature enthusiasts. It will complement NParks's walk, entitled Evening Chorus at Kranji Marshes, and explore the new boardwalk. Birding highlights here include the yYellow bittern, white-browed crake, changeable hawk eagle, grey-headed fish eagle and more.

A native Keranji tree, which Kranji Road is named after, was also planted at the entrance to Kranji Marshes to mark the occasion, NParks and URA said.

The guided walks conducted by NParks and NSS are limited to 20 participants each. Details on the regular monthly walks will be available at https://www.nparks.gov.sg/kranjimarshes and www.nss.org.sg.

grongloh@sph.com.sg

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