The error in clearing parts of the Kranji woodland area could undermine recent efforts by Singapore authorities to better engage nature groups, said conservation advocates who expressed shock and disappointment at the mistake. The 70ha Kranji woodland area, about the size of Jurong Lake Gardens, is along a green artery known as the Rail Corridor. The forested area in Kranji is one of the few patches of woodland on the northern stretch of the Rail Corridor, said Mr Leong Kwok Peng, who chairs NSS’ conservation committee. It is a corridor for wildlife, he said. “You can’t just have a linear tree-lined area and hope that nature will just continue to move north and south. You must have some kind of forest patch in between for the animals to forage,” he added. “We can’t afford to make this kind of mistake,” said biological scientist N Sivasothi. He added that the slip-up appeared to undermine efforts made by the authorities over the past few years to enhance consultations with nature groups. Mr Sivasothi warned that “once (the greenery) is gone, it’s gone”.... Continue Reading