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Hong Kong's woodlands, forests and scenic hillsides provide a striking contrast to its dynamic urban lifestyle. This im posing landscape makes up a surprising * 40 per cent of the territory's land area. Much of it falls within country parks which, with a yearly 8.5 million visitors, have assumed an important role in provi ing a restful retreat for town dwellers. But even nature needs a helping hand and an extensive forestry programme under- taken by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department is continually improving the countryside and conserving it for the benefit of Hong Kong's expanding popula- tion. Random planting methods are giving the appearance of natural woodland to the 125 square kilometres of forest plantation. In 1982 alone, 432 000 trees - mainly of broadleaf species - were planted within the country parks. It is hard now to imagine the ravaged scene of just 30 years ago when the countryside was stripped of forest for timber and fuel during and im- mediately following World War II. Only the most precipitous wooded ravines and sacred groves survived. A replanting policy was implemented in 1953 and continued until the 1970s when another forestry development programme began. And today urban landscaping is adding pockets of greenery to the towns. The Urban Council runs eight nurseries to supply plants for its parks, landscape develop- ment and gardens in built-up areas; and over five million trees are being planted between 1982-3 in conjunction with the mei fa, or beautification, phase of the Clean Hong Kong campaign.
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Previous page: Afforestation helps prevent soil erosion and provides a picturesme backdrop for the Shing Mun Reservoir. Left: Tree planting in Sha Tin by goærn- ment officials and community leaders; the Urban Council's 15th Annual Flower Show; visitors of all ages enjoy the forest nature trails.
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