Greening of first-of-its-kind eco-bridge starts

SINGAPORE – To kick-start the greening of a first-of-its-kind eco-bridge, representatives from Government agencies and civil organisations came together this morning (Oct 5) to plant 50 native trees at the site.

Connecting two nature reserves over the Bukit Timah Expressway, the bridge, named Eco-Link@BKE, will allow wildlife to move between the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves. The S$16 million bridge is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The National Parks Board (NParks) said it expects insects, butterflies and birds to cross the bridge. As more wildlife gets used to Eco-Link@BKE, other animals like the pangolin, flying squirrel, palm civet and porcupine are expected to use the bridge as well.

Animal crossings are expected to benefit rare native plants, such as the Singapore Walking Stick Palm, which is pollinated and dispersed by animals.

NParks said that with the connector, an exchange of the palm’s genetic materials can be expected between the two nature reserves. That would reduce inbreeding and boost the chances of the plant’s survival.

Public access to Eco-Link@BKE will be restricted during the initial years to reduce human disturbance. However, NParks is working closely with nature groups to organise guided walks, where feasible, in the future. CHANNEL NEWSASIA