SINGAPORE - The Zhenghua Nature Park in Bukit Panjang has been enlarged, giving visitors a chance to experience an even larger green place.

The 3.8ha extension, located in Bukit Panjang New Town, brings the total area of Zhenghua Nature Park to 17.3 ha.

The extension, part of the National Parks Board's (NParks) efforts to enhance park habitats, also plays another important role. It will increase the green buffer for the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, and better protect it.

Senior Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee, who officially opened the extension to the public on Saturday, said: "Together with Springleaf Nature Park, Zhenghua Nature Park serves as a green buffer for the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and forms part of an islandwide ecological network for biodiversity.

"Under the Nature Conservation Masterplan, NParks has also been carrying out habitat enhancement efforts in parks across the island to support biodiversity conservation efforts... I hope that with our habitat enhancement efforts, these green spaces will become outdoor classrooms for our students to observe the various plant and animal species and gain deeper knowledge of them."

As a green buffer for the reserve, Zhenghua Nature Park forms a vital ecological linkage between nature reserves and forested areas in the west such as the Western Catchment. This facilitates the safe passage of animals among green spaces.

The nature park will also help to reduce the number of visitors to nature reserves and the unintended consequences by giving people alternative venues to enjoy nature-related activities.