NOTES AND QUERIES
303
In recognition of their botanical significance and the rarity of the trees, the site where they are growing was listed as a “Site of Special Scientific Interest” (SSSI) in 1975. The SSSI concept is a planning device introduced to Hong Kong, to ensure that due account is taken of the scientific importance of particular sites when changes in land use or other development are being considered. Any site, on land or sea, which is of sufficient special scientific interest by reason of its flora, fauna, geographical or historic features may be registered and listed as an SSSI. However, listing as an SSSI does not impose any legal restriction on the owners, tenants or occupiers of the land and does not, by itself, ensure protection of the sites against unsympathetic activities or forms of development.
In this particular case, however, the villagers treasure the presence of these two 'historical trees' and go along with Government's effort to secure their conservation. With their consent and co-operation, the Agriculture and Fisheries Department has carried out certain maintenance work to sustain the growth of the trees by cutting away strangling creepers, trimming branches from nearby trees and clearing nearby dumps of rubbish.
Measurements made in 1982 showed that neither tree has made any appreciable growth since 1971, either in height or girth. This indicates that they are at an advanced stage of their natural lifespan.
Towards the end of 1981, the condition of one of them was found to have deteriorated significantly. Careful inspection failed to detect any pest and it is believed that its advanced age together with a change in their environment (e.g., the dumping of building materials nearby) may be the causes. New leaves failed to appear in the spring of 1982 and 1983 and it has to be accepted that this tree is now dying.
The second tree is still in fairly healthy condition, although its branches and leaves are sparse. Unfortunately, it lies within the alignment of a major road works project, the New Territories Circular Route. After some negotiation, the Highways Office has agreed to a slight change in alignment in an attempt to save this tree. It has also been agreed that a stone protective wall will
NOTES AND QUERIES
303
In recognition of their botanical significance and the rarity of the trees, the site where they are growing was listed as a “Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI) in 1975. The SSSI concept is a planning device introduced to Hong Kong, to ensure that due account is taken of the scientific importance of particular sites when changes in land use or other development are being considered. Any site, on land or sea, which is of sufficient special scientific interest by reason of its flora, fauna, geographical or historic features may be registered and listed as an SSSI. However, listing as a SSSI does not impose any legal restriction on the owners, tenants or occupiers of the land and does not, by itself, ensure protection of the sites against unsympathetic activities or forms of development.
In this particular case, however, the villagers treasure the presence of these two 'historical trees' and go along with Govern- ment's effort to secure their conservation. With their consent and co-operation, the Agriculture and Fisheries Department has carried out certain maintenance work to sustain the growth of the trees by cutting away strangling creepers, trimming branches from nearby trees and clearing nearby dumps of rubbish.
Measurements made in 1982 showed that neither tree has made any appreciable growth since 1971, either in height or girth. This indicates that they are at an advanced stage of their natural lifespan.
Towards the end of 1981, the condition of one of them was found to have deteriorated significantly. Careful inspection failed to detect any pest and it is believed that its advanced age together with a change in their environment (c.g. the dumping of building materials nearby) may be the causes. New leaves failed to appear in the spring of 1982 and 1983 and it has to be accepted that this tree is now dying.
The second tree is still in fairly healthy condition, although its branches and leaves are sparse. Unfortunately, it lies within the alignment of a major road works project, the New Territories Circular Route. After some negotiation, the Highways Office has agreed to a slight change in alignment in an attempt to save this trec. It has also been agreed that a stone protective wall will
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