Siew Wei

The Labrador Nature Reserve fieldtrip had definitely been an interesting outdoor venture to relate what I have learned in the topic of Coastal Studies, Weathering and Natural Vegetation to the field.

The staircase built on the edge of the secondary forest offer a prime view of the cliff side vegetation coupled with a panoramic view of the cliff. As I journey down the staircase from the Aerial tower where the natural vegetation thrives, to the jetty, I observe the features of the secondary forest and study its characteristics. Many of the tress at there was consider rare. Soil conservation was also done to prevent soil erosion such as mesh netting. A leisurely stroll along the nature trails, different animals and raptors were sighted occasionally such as the squirrels scurrying up trees and the monitor lizards that sun along the foot path.


The Forest The forest floor

Fronting the 30m high cliff sides is the 300metres Labrador beach, extremely rich in marine flora and fauna at the beach. The animals exploit the environment created by an exposed rocky shore. I also observed the patterns of approaching waves as well as the general direction from which they come and lastly how the marine processes that shape the coast at Labrador Park. There was also a wave-cut platform at the foot of the cliff, a result of the continuous erosion at the base of cliff causing the cliff to retreat inland.


The Coastline A wave-cut platform

Walking along the Promenade to the soothing sound of the waves, I identified the coastal protection method used along the Promenade which was the seawall that helped to reflect waves away from coast. I have also seen the motion of the swash and the backwash.


Seawall Swash

The Dragon Teeth Gate shows evidence of different types of weathering that took place, such as physical, chemical and biological weathering. I have also learnt the historical significance of the Dragon Teeth Gate that was used to navigate waters around Singapore in the past.

Dragon Teeth Gate Weathering of Dragon Teeth Gate

I think the activity at the Aerial Tower was the most beneficial as it had inculcate a sense of appreciation and understanding the value of Labrador Nature Reserve as one of Singapore’s nature parks and the importance of preserving the natural environment in our landscape.

What I had observed on the fieldtrip help to make what I have learned in the classroom more relevant and interesting as I was exposed to different modes of assessment to measure my learning. As well as an aid in sustaining my interest in Geography through experiential learning.