Beehive hangs from Woodlands bus stop

Please help me find my missing blue baby bird

Resident surprised to find snake on staircase at Woodlands block

'Goondu' snake gets head stuck in drink can at Marsiling Drive

Strange bee-haviour: Thousands gather at altar for no reason

Fallen branches in Woodlands due to heavy rains in past week

STOMPer roy cheong spotted two cases of fallen branches in Woodlands due to the heavy rains last week.

He writes in an email:

"I took pictures of two fallen branches within a week after the heavy rain"

Heavy morning storm topples trees across island

Heavy morning wind and rain sent some trees toppling to the ground across the island today, causing obstruction to many road users.

STOMPer eckman88 saw this huge fallen tree at Admiralty Road West.

The road was inaccessible because the tree lay across the road.

He says:

"Fallen tree again, this time it closed the whole Admiralty Road West."

STOMPer Sam was driving to work when he was too, obstructed by a fallen tree near the Marina Barrage.

Sam says:

"I was driving to work at the Marina Barrage when suddenly I saw that I was blocked by a fallen tree.

"It fell due to the heavy rain in the morning I guess.

"I called up the people from the control room, who subsequently called NEA to help remove the fallen tree.

"Oh dear here we go again; Singapore is facing a big problem yet again".

Another STOMPer fastfastmikey also saw a fallen tree at Commonwealth.

The sender says:

"A fallen tree seen at North Buona Vista Road before Commonwealth Avenue West, blocking one of the lanes".

Parrot flew into my Woodlands Link workshop. Is it yours?

Brand new promenade but what a mess!

STOMPer Modern mariner visited the spanking new Woodlands Waterfront only to discover that on Monday (May 24) that the place were strewn with litter.

He wrote:

"These pictures were taken at the Woodlands Waterfront at Admiralty Road West.

"From the coastal promenade you can see the old causeway and the tall skyscrapers of Johor.

"The URA has spent $19 million to build this coastal park for the residents of Woodlands.

"Spread over an area of 9 hectares, the park has amenities like tunnels, rope bridges and children's playground.

"It has been my favourite haunt since it was first opened.

"However some foreign workers have chosen to mess up the park after their Sunday visit.

"You can see bottles and plastic bags strewn near the pier on a Monday morning.

"I hope NParks will send its wardens and rangers to patrol this park on weekends and also erect some notices that say NO LITTERING. FINE $ 1 000.

"Let us learn to treasure our parks and keep them spick and span."

Please remove this tree -- It might fall and injure passers-by

STOMPer timid heart is worried that this tree at Woodlands Town Garden may fall and injure passers-by.

The STOMPer believes that the tree could have been struck by lightning.

He says:

"These pictures were taken at the Woodlands Town Garden at Woodlands Centre Road.

"This tall palm tree is devoid of leaves as it was probably struck by lightning some weeks ago.

"There is also a gaping hole at the base of the trunk and this provides an ideal home for snakes and rodents.

"If there is stormy weather the tree may come crashing down and dire consequences may follow.

"I hope NParks will remove this dangerous tree before someone is hurt."

TC: Fallen tree in Woodlands was removed at 2.45pm on the same day

A Spokesperson for Sembawang Town Council told STOMP that the fallen tree, obstructing the two way traffic flow at Woodlands Drive 50 was removed at 2.45pm on the same day.

This is following a STOMPer Aye's contribution on a tree, which fell at about 1.20pm, but was still lying around on the road at 2pm.

A Sembawang Town Council Spokesperson tells STOMP:

"We refer to the STOMP posting on June 7, 'Tree falls at Woodlands, obstructing two way traffic flow'.

"The fallen tree was removed at 2.45pm on the same day.

"We thank STOMPer Aye for the valuable feedback. Should the writer require further assistance, please call us at 63683100."

Related story:
Tree falls at Woodlands, obstructing two way traffic flow

Related post: Tree falls at Woodlands, obstructing two way traffic flow (7th June 2009)

Tree falls at Woodlands, obstructing two way traffic flow

A fallen tree at Woodlands Drive 50 is obstructing the two way traffic flow since about 1.20pm when STOMPer Aye snapped these pictures.

In an email to STOMPer on June 7, at 1.55pm, this STOMPer says:

"Tree fell at Woodlands Drive 50, in front of 888 plaza.

"Till now, it's still there."

Related story:
TC: Fallen tree in Woodlands was removed at 2.45pm on the same day

Similar stories:

"It could've been me under that tree!"
Fallen tree in Woodlands obstructs traffic
This tree gets its revenge!
Car trapped under fallen tree

Related post: TC: Fallen tree in Woodlands was removed at 2.45pm on the same day (8th June 2009)

Remove these plants or these walls may collapse

STOMPer Jogger is concerned that these walls may be eventually cracked by the roots of the plants growing on them. These pictures are taken at the bank of the Sungei Sembawang between Woodlands Ave 7 and Admiralty Road West.

In his email:

"The fig tree is growing on the concrete wall of the river bank. This tree has powerful roots and one day it may crack the concrete wall.

"The tree known as Ficus religiosa can grow to a height of 20m and its powerful roots will one day crack the wall of the river bank.

"This weep hole is covered with grass and this impedes drainage of water.

"Retaining walls are usually designed to drain away water that accumulates behind the wall. Otherwise, the pressure behind the wall may cause it to collapse. The weep holes should be kept clear of grass and plants so that the water can drain properly.

"It is best to remove the young plants before they cause extensive damage. I hope NEA and NParks will look into this problem."

Related posts: Complaint about danger tree on June 3, action taken to remove it on June 3 (4th June 2009)
Long tree roots may damage overhead bridge (2nd June 2009)
"Tree roots may cause this Spottiswoode Park shophouse to collapse" (6th April 2009)
Powerful tree roots damage Bukit Batok drain (9th March 2009)
Danger: Growing tree roots can crack wall of river bank (8th March 2009)
Tree growing on old shophouse may cause pillars to give way (2nd February 2009)
This tree has claimed a bridge of its own (30th January 2009)

The plant in the 3rd photo looks more like the sea hibiscus (Talipariti tiliaceum).

Personally, I prefer natural-looking river channels, instead of the ugly sterile concrete canals so prevalent throughout Singapore. As part of the ABC Waters Programme, perhaps some allowance should be provided for certain stretches of our rivers to return to a more natural state, which would not only be a great improvement from an aesthetic point of view, but also allow aquatic life to flourish.

Breathtaking pictures of sunrise at a park

STOMPer Naturelover awoke early to take a stroll at Woodlands Town Garden and sent in photographs of what he encountered.

The STOMPer was at the park at 6:30am and caught the sunrise, which is a breathtaking sight.

Complaint about danger tree on June 3, action taken to remove it on June 3

Sembawang Town Council says they have removed this wild plant at Woodlands Centre Road. A STOMPer had earlier written in saying that the long roots of the tree may damage the foundation of an overhead bridge.

In an email to STOMP today (June 4), a spokesperson from Sembawang Town Council says:

"We refer to the posting by your STOMPer on June 3, 2009.

"We have already removed the wild plant on June 3, 2009.

"Thank you."

Related article:
Long tree roots may damage overhead bridge

Related posts: Long tree roots may damage overhead bridge (2nd June 2009)
"Tree roots may cause this Spottiswoode Park shophouse to collapse" (6th April 2009)
Powerful tree roots damage Bukit Batok drain (9th March 2009)
Danger: Growing tree roots can crack wall of river bank (8th March 2009)
Tree growing on old shophouse may cause pillars to give way (2nd February 2009)
This tree has claimed a bridge of its own (30th January 2009)

Kudos to NParks for beautiful Sembawang Park Connector, says STOMPer

The Sembawang Park Connector is beautifully done up with an abundance of greenery, says a STOMPer, who cycled through it.

Full of praise for the park connector, he says:

"These pictures were taken at the Sembawang Park Connector (SPC) that runs alongside Sungei Sembawang from Woodlands Ave 10 all the way to Admiralty Road West.

"This park connector is very popular with the residents who come here for jogging and cycling.

"This lizard (Calotes versicolor) was spotted on the trunk of a palm tree. It is able to change its colour from yellow to green to brown to blend in with the colour of the environment.

"These three rock pigeons (Columba livia) were standing on the river bank eyeing the water in the river.

"These pigeons are fed by the residents who throw rice and corn pellets for them to eat.

"The flower of the sea putat tree (Barringtonia asiatica) is very beautiful and when the tree is blooming the crown looks purplish white.

"Reaching a height of 20m this tree provides a good shade for tired joggers.

"NParks has built some benches along the SPC. These benches have a cemented base and brown seats and they appear to be strong and sturdy.

"The SPC looks beautiful with all those flowers planted by NParks.

"The residents here are fortunate to have a green lung in the midst of their sprawling estate."

Long tree roots may damage overhead bridge

STOMPer Fearful feels that the long roots of this tree may damage the foundation of an overhead bridge at Woodlands Centre Road.

This STOMPer says:

"This picture was taken at the overhead bridge that links Block 6A Woodlands Centre Road to the HDB estate at Marsiling Drive.

"Both ends of this bridge have a winding staircase.

"At the end of the bridge, next to Blk 6A, I found this tree growing on the top of the bridge.

"The roots were very long and I fear that one day when the tree has fully grown, the bridge may be damaged or collapse.

"I hope LTA will remove this tree before it causes further damage to the concrete bridge."

Sembawang Town Council's response:
TC: Wild plant with long roots removed from Woodlands Centre Rd

Update: Complaint about danger tree on June 3, action taken to remove it on June 3 (4th June 2009)

Related posts: "Tree roots may cause this Spottiswoode Park shophouse to collapse" (6th April 2009)
Powerful tree roots damage Bukit Batok drain (9th March 2009)
Danger: Growing tree roots can crack wall of river bank (8th March 2009)
Tree growing on old shophouse may cause pillars to give way (2nd February 2009)
This tree has claimed a bridge of its own (30th January 2009)

Maybe NParks would consider extending this park connector to the sea?

STOMPer Aesthetician enjoys using the Sembawang park connector and wonders if NParks would consider his suggestion of extending it all the way to the sea.

In his email to STOMP today (June 2), the STOMPer included these pictures of the park connector and an empty grass patch leading to the Sembawang beach.

"As a park lover and one who enjoys jogging on the Sembawang Park Connector, I hope NParks will acquire the empty land beside the Sungei Sembawang from Admiralty Road West to the Straits of Johor.

"The park connector (if upgraded in the near future) should run alongside the river from Woodlands Ave 10 all the way to the beach near Senoko Gas Works."

Pest control efforts intensified to curb Woodlands Circle rat problem, says TC

Sembawang Town Council says they have further stepped up and intensified their pest control efforts with regard to the rat problem at Block 731 Woodlands Circle.

In an earlier post dated May 17, STOMPer Samme wrote in saying he was disgusted by the rat problem at Block 731 in Woodlands Circle. The STOMPer was hoping for action from the authorities.

In an email to STOMP today (May 18), a spokesperson from Sembawang Town Council said:

"We thank STOMPer Samme for the valuable feedback.

"Our pest control contractor carries out fortnightly treatment to the estate. With the feedback received from the resident, we have, in addition to our fortnightly treatment, further stepped up and intensified our pest control efforts.

"The Town Council will continue to monitor this situation closely and we seek the co-operation of residents to keep their common areas clean.

"Should STOMPer Samme require further assistance, please call our office at 63683100."

Related article:

Rats run wild in Woodlands Circle!

Related posts: Rats run wild in Woodlands Circle! (17th May 2009)
Rat plays peek-a-boo at East Point Banquet food court (11th March 2009)
Dead rat found lying on Maxwell Market performers' stage (9th March 2009)
Shocking to find rat at Changi Airport's T3! (8th March 2009)

Rats run wild in Woodlands Circle!

STOMPer Samme is disgusted by the rat problem at Block 731 in Woodlands Circle. The STOMPer is hoping for action from the authorities.

Samme said to STOMP via email yesterday (May 16):

"Countless complaints = Zero resolution.

"Do we need a case of Rats' Flu to bring awareness to the authority?"

Update: Pest control efforts intensified to curb Woodlands Circle rat problem, says TC (18th May 2009)

Related posts: Rat plays peek-a-boo at East Point Banquet food court (11th March 2009)
Dead rat found lying on Maxwell Market performers' stage (9th March 2009)
Shocking to find rat at Changi Airport's T3! (8th March 2009)