Windsor Park

The Upper Thomson area is surrounded by greenery. Located at Venus Drive there is a beautiful park called Windsor Nature Park. Nature lovers and nature photographers would love this place. Bird watchers too. There are various trails for one to explore there. There are trails with rare and native plants, a Drongo trial with a sub-canopy walk where one could look down on a secondary forest. There are several freshwater streams and marsh habitat. You may spot a pangolin or some wild boars all these very near to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. This green buffer is said to be 75 hectares. There are other nature parks like that and you could find them at Springleaf, Thomson, Chestnut nature parks. 

The last time we visited there was a storm. We have to hide in the shelter but after waiting for too long I decided to walk to the car and got thoroughly soaked. Even the umbrella was of no help. This time I would just merge with the forest.

The Windsor Nature Park

The park has trees that are 20 to nearly 60m tall. You can find agarwood that is used for perfume and incense. There are also kayu arang which attract butterflies as their caterpillars like to feed on. You will also find the buah salam where their leaves are used in curries. The tallest you can find here is the Tembusu where its strong timber is termite resistant. 

Singapore has very limited land area and yet we have nearly 400 bird species recorded. On our land, there is an estimated 28,000 species and then 17,000 species marine species. 

Fresh Water Streams

Fresh water streams are rich in biodiversity. Nature is a wonder by itself. The forest cleans the water that enters it as nature has its own natural filtration system using the roots of plants and the many layers of soils for the cleaning act. The water is therefore, free from sediments and impurities. That is how animals, the flora and fauna thrive on its own until "Man" came along.  

The flora and fauna that thrives.

When we get close to nature or an untouched wilderness, we are doing our over-stressed brain a big favour and it leads our body to relax in pleasant, unrushed natural surroundings.

Ponds and streams intrigue me as they are often teeming with life. I grew up catching fish from ponds, streams and drains and watching pond skaters. 

In some areas, the water is a little murky.

Even ants at work is a wonder. Ants keep busy without anyone telling them what to do. In their world there are no termite supervisor, bee manager or ant boss, yet they could garner the right forces to forage for food or build or repair their nests, fend off intruders or protect their eggs. They may have eggs but no ego. Can you imagine what humans could achieve if we learn from just the insect world.

These are some of the fish species you can find here. It is interesting to spot any fish in streams and ponds.

And a big one is always a bonus.

Can you see a snake head there in the shallow water. 

Frond of plants like palm were very common in the past as we use them as food wrappers. They keep the your hokkien mee and char kway teow warm and fragrant even after quite some time. A few hawkers still use them. They are called "Opeh" leaf.

Even on a hot and humid day, nature protects you.

In nature, you cloud close your eyes and let your senses flow. 

During my run in parks or park connectors, I will keep a keen eye,  aura awareness to detect and connect with all things of nature.

At this bridge you will come fact to face with the Guardians of Windsor.

They are everywhere and you will be surrounded.

Do not fear them. Do not provoke them and equally important - do not feed them. 

From the bridge you could look down for other plant and animal life.

I stood there and ponder. Have we been doing things right? Why must the human race? If I found an even more perfect place for camouflage, I may never be found. 

And end up like this. Chase away some dangerous humans who think they know better and live happily ever after.

As you trek out from the forested areas to the top you will see this. The Singapore Island Country Club. 

Go to nature. Be at peace and be water my friend.