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New nature trail opens
Country park visitors, picnickers or hikers now have an additional destination to appreciate nature or to flex their muscles following the opening of a new nature trail in Sai Kung.
With the addition of the new Tsiu Hang Nature Trail, there are a total of 11 nature trails in the territory. The other 10 are in Tai Mo Shan (Kap Lung), Aberdeen, Shing Mun (Pineapple Dam), Shek Lei Pui (Eagle's Nest), Tai Po Kau, Pak Tam Chung, Pat Sin Leng, Plover Cove (Bride's Pool), Hung Mui Kuk and Tai Tong.
The acting Senior Country Park Development Officer of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Dr Yeung Ka-ming, said each of these trails had its uniqueness in relation to nature, vegetation, historical background and scenery attractions.
On the newly-completed Tsiu Hang Nature Trail, Dr Yeung said it was located inside the Lions Nature Education Centre, Sai Kung. It is a circular route of about 650 metres long and takes a visitor about 40 minutes to complete.
The nature trail begins and ends near the entrance to the Chinese Herbal Garden of the Lions Nature Education Centre. Many interesting plants can be found along the trail including Rhus succedanea, China fir, ferns, grass and herbs, Cantor bamboo, Melastoma species and ivy trees.
A number of natural or geographical phenomena can also be seen or felt along the trail. Among them include the symbiosis of plants, soil profile, biological weathering, detritus system, area and species diversity, woodland stratification, decomposition of wood and fire breaks.
On the establishment of nature trails at country parks, Dr Yeung said the idea dated back to the mid-1970s when the first nature trail, Pineapple Dam, was set up in Shing Mun.
"The main objective is to help country park visitors understand flora and fauna as well as village life. It also aims at providing more enjoyment for country park visitors and developing a positive attitude on countryside protection," he said.
Dr Yeung said nature trails were basically self-guided walks. Visitors can move at their chosen speed and take as much time as they like at each stop.
For the enjoyment of others, he reminded visitors not to pick plant specimens or damage natural habitats along each trail.
End/Friday, June 16, 1995
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