On 31st March 2017, the Learning Forest at Singapore Botanic Gardens was officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. He commemorated the event by planting a tree, Kopsia singaporensis, together with Minister of National Development - Mr Lawrence Wong.
The Learning Forest is a new 9.8 hectare extension to the existing Singapore Botanic Gardens, designed by Stephen Caffyn Landscape Design. The Learning Forest has a different theme and atmosphere to much of the existing Botanic Gardens, as it is more natural, and has a less manicured ambience.
View from the Lower Wetland Boardwalk - Learning Forest @ Singapore Botanic Gardens - Stephen Caffyn Landscape Design
Visitors can view themed areas such as the freshwater swamp forest - Keppel Discovery Wetlands; the bambusetum area; the wild fruit and nut tree collection; the conserved lowland forest which includes the SPH Walk of Giants and the canopy web.
The Prime Minister and Minister of National Development relaxing for the Press at the Canopy Web in the Learning Forest SBG - by Stephen Caffyn Landscape Design
After the planting event there was a short briefing and presentation about the Learning Forest in the Interpretive Shelter which also covered the history of the area prior to development.
SPH Walk of Giants canopy walkways through the Learning Forest - Stephen Caffyn Landscape Design
Our forest resident, the Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo, also made an appearance for the VIP's during the opening walkabout. There are several of these birds in the forest and they have been present throughout the construction of the canopy walkways and forest boardwalks over the last few years.
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo in the Learning Forest
Forest Boardwalk - Learning Forest at Singapore Botanic Gardens by SCLD
Our Forest Boardwalks are designed to allow the free flow of water and also allow wildlife to cross underneath.
Canopy Walkway over wetland (new lake) at Learning Forest SBG - Stephen Caffyn Landscape Design
View to Mid Wetland Weir from the Canopy Walkway - Learning Forest SBG - Stephen Caffyn Landscape Design
Bambusetum area at the Learning Forest SBG
The Project Consultants with the Prime Minister for a final photo at the end of his official visit
Stephen Caffyn Landscape Design were the Lead Consultant and Landscape Architectural Consultant for the Learning Forest at Singapore Botanic Gardens