Plantation Enrichment Programme

This site experienced a hill fire at the end of 1999. Restoration efforts were undertaken through planting in 2000 and 2001, during which nearly 20,000 tree seedlings were planted, with about 35% being native species such as Casuarina equisetifolia and Acacia confusa. In 2017, we took this area as our planting site, planting more native seedlings and supporting their survival by adding fertilisers and weeding.

In the last decade, the government established the woodland by planting Acacia confusa to act as a natural barrier for the South East New Territory landfill. A public plantation project took place in 2004, during which 10,000 seedlings were planted, with 60% being local species. Nonetheless, exotic trees outperformed native species due to the constant effects of onshore wind. As a result, Acacia confusa has become the dominant species. In 2017, we took this area as our planting site, planting more native seedlings and boosting their survival by adding fertilisers and weeding. Owing to the survival threat posed by the fast-growing weeds, we extended the management period till 2024 to ensure planted seedlings can thrive there.

Located at the hillside of High Junk Peak, one of the three sharp peaks in Sai Kung, this existing woodland was established at the beginning of the millennium. It is primarily composed of Acacia confusa and Acacia auriculiformis, followed by Eucalyptus and Casuarina equisetifolia. The climbing plants with thorns growing in the understory, along with the gravel covering the topsoil, have increased the difficulty of tree planting.

Located in near the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail, this woodland is also established at the beginning of the millennium. Standing in front of the woodland, one can enjoy a panoramic view covering the entire Tsuen Wan district and three prominent bridges in Hong Kong (Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and Stonecutters’ Bridge). Before we introduced the local seedlings, the dominant species in this woodland were Acacia confusa, A. auriculiformis and Casuarina equisetifolia which planted by the government during the last century. These established species now act as a wind barrier for the newly planted seedlings. We paid special attention when selecting seedling species as this site is also home to wild cattle, these playful cattle favour certain types of plants.

This is TGE’s fourth PEP planting site near the High Junk Peak Country Trail, located at Sheung Yeung. As half of the woodland area is located on a steep slope, exotic species with strong adaptability like Acacia mangium and A.auriculiformis were selected by the authority to be planted there around 2003. However, these exotic trees have grown so fast and blocked the sunlight from reaching the understory. The large amount of leaf litter accumulated has further slowed down the process of ecological succession. Hence, we started to carry out enrichment work there in 2018, planting more native species and conducting tree tending work.

This woodland is located near MacLehose Trail distance post 133, Shing Mun Country Park. Half of the trees in the woodland are Acacia confuse, planted around 2001. However, their health and survivability started to deteriorate after extreme weather events, including frost and Super Typhoon Mangkhut that happened in recent years. Therefore, we planted more native plant species, such as Sloanea, as well as a wide variety of flowering trees, in an attempt to revitalize the woodland and enhance its biodiversity.

This Brisbane box (Lophostemon confertus) woodland had endured two hill fire in 1990 and 2014. Some of the Brisbane boxes were so tough that they regrew using epicormic shoots. However, most of them are weak. Many of them cannot withstand typhoons happen during every summer. On the other hand, the understory was conquered by thickets of weeds, mainly the Dicranopteris pedata and Lepidosperma chinense. The fast growth rate and strong dispersal ability of these R-selected species have affected the survival of native species. In order to effectively enhance the biodiversity there, we planted species that have stronger survivability and endurability, such as Polyspora axillaris, Garcinia oblongifolia, and Daphniphyllum calycinum.

These two adjacent planting sites were established more than 30 years ago and are predominantly composed of exotic species like Brisbane Box (Lophostemon confertus). It has been observed that some of the trees were damaged by hill fires in the past. Although some of them have survived, they are vulnerable to strong wind too. The understory area has a thick layer of broken branches and weeds (mostly Dicranopteris pedata), which makes it harder for local plants to establish and thrive. However, the discovery of traces of wild animals during our site preparation has made us feel great. By introducing more native plant species to the woodlands, we aim to provide a wider variety of food sources to attract more wildlife and make this place their habitat.

Similar to other woodlands, this site is dominated by Brisbane Box (Lophostemon confertus). There are also mature and tall trees of the Phoebe zhennan and Ormosia emarginata on the small hillside, which have become landmark trees in the woodland. The planting site has an umbrella-shaped terrain, and after planting the small seedlings, it now resembles a charming little garden. Our volunteers always enjoy having picnics here after completing their forestry work.

Located near the Yuen Tun Civil Aid Service (CAS) campsite, the existing Brisbane Box (Lophostemon confertus) trees show clear signs of aging, with broken branches and ant infestations. The land is also drier than other planting sites. We invite the public to adopt and plant local tree seedlings, including species such as Cyclobalanopsis glauca, Daphniphyllum calycinum, Ilex asprella, Syzygium levinei and Viburnum odoratissimum. Through frequent tree-care maintenance actions, including weeding and fertilising, we aim to improve the survival rate of these tree seedlings.

The entire tree-planting site is divided into an upper part and a lower part. The upper part was originally full of Brisbane Box (Lophostemon confertus), adjacent to a large bamboo grove. Drawing from our experience at nearby planting sites, we selected various shade-tolerant tree seedlings. In contrast, the lower part of the planting site was dominated by white alder trees. The soil there is relatively soft and tends to become waterlogged during the rainy season, creating a marshy area. Consequently, we chose several water-loving tree species, such as Cleistocalyx nervosum and Syzygium levinei.

Located near the country trail distance post C6307, the forestry works of these two sites are our focus in 2025. Although nearly half of the site area is on a steep slope, the health conditions of Acacia confusa are getting worse, some even got sick and have the risk of collapse, indicating the necessity of enrichment work. Planting native species can enhance not only the woodlands’ biodiversity but also the country trail’s scenery.