To mark Darwin Day 2023, members and friends of the Humanist Society (Singapore) gathered on Sunday, 19 February, for a guided nature walk around Pang Sua Woodland—one of the island’s disappearing green spaces currently slated for residential development. Notably, this marked the society’s first nature walk since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

Every February, the Humanist Society hosts an annual Darwin Day event to commemorate the birth and legacy of Charles Darwin (born 12 February 1809) and to celebrate scientific inquiry, human curiosity, and the natural world. This year’s event took participants off the beaten track to examine biodiversity and conservation firsthand.

Nestled between the housing estates of Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang, the 15-hectare woodland forms a vital component of the Rail Corridor. Environmental groups, including Cicada Tree Eco-Place (CTEP) and the Nature Society (Singapore) (NSS), have long highlighted the site as a crucial sanctuary and conduit for local wildlife dispersal. Following public feedback and environmental studies, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) adjusted initial plans to preserve at least 2 hectares of the existing greenery—making the site a poignant subject for discussion on urban development and biodiversity preservation.

The two-hour session was led by veteran nature educator Andrew Tay from Cicada Tree Eco-Place. With nearly three decades of experience in hands-on environmental education, Andrew pointed out ecological features while ensuring participants navigated the uneven terrain.

For safety reasons, we walked along the edges of the Pang Sua Woodland as the ground can be uneven within the forest. We were thankful that there was no rain, but the sun was strong.

Though the afternoon sun was intense, clear skies prevailed throughout the walk. The event provided participants with a deeper connection to Singapore’s local natural heritage and a meaningful way to reflect on Darwin’s enduring legacy of observing and understanding nature.