SINGAPORE — Do you know your little hike in, say, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve might cause more trouble than you realise? You could be destroying nature accidentally with every step. Here are some tips from Ben Lee, the founder of non-profit group Nature Trekker and seasoned hiker Chua Tien Seng to minimise 
destruction.

STAY ON TRACK. As you start your hike, always stay on the pathways that are built for the trail. There are plants and flowers growing at the edge of the trail. Lee said that you should avoid stepping on them and also “avoid stepping onto muddy trails as it will create a deeper depression or erode the earth”, adding that it is better to step on the drier area of the trail 
if possible.

Never go into places with streams, canals or rivers. Walking through them would be destructive to the organisms living in it. In addition, do not “jungle bash”. That means do not force your way through a 
blocked path.

NO FEEDING OF ANIMALS. This may sound like a no-brainer, but there are still some out there who insist on feeding animals their crumbs or leftovers, thinking that it is okay. It isn’t. Lee pointed out that animals should always be left on their own. “This is so that they will not lose their killer instinct to find food on their own,” 
Lee said.

ENJOY THE GREENERY BY BEING GREEN. Avoid littering at all cost. Chua suggests to “always bring a trash bag to carry back whatever rubbish you have”. Bringing your own water bottle would also help decrease plastic waste. For those who drive, Chua suggests taking public transport for that day. He quipped: “It helps save the environment and sustains 
a healthy lifestyle, too.”

KEEP YOUR PETS AT HOME WHEN TREKKING. Many dog owners like to bring their furry friends as they run through the trails. While canines make good companions, they might bark when they see or sense other native animals living in the reserve. This might scare these creatures. Avoid bringing your dogs to Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, trails in MacRitchie, Lower Peirce Trail and Labrador Nature Reserve.

RESPECT THE WILDLIFE. Keep your noise levels low and try not to play your music out loud while trekking as it might startle animals. Try to appreciate and enjoy the sounds of nature. Apart from that, do not use any gizmos such as remote-control flying devices as they might cause major damage to the flora 
and fauna. Sonia Yeo