綠惜地球 植林優化計劃
The Green Earth - Plantation Enrichment Programme
綠惜地球
植林優化計劃
The Green Earth - Plantation Enrichment Programme
About PEP
簡介
About PEP
Woodlands were largely destroyed in World War II. The Hong Kong government has invested a lot of resources in massive afforestation work to restore barren hillsides and eroded slopes. Most areas were seriously eroded and due to the relatively higher adaptability of exotic tree species, they were strategically chosen to plant as pioneer trees to help land rehabilitation and soil erosion control. Before the 80s, exotic tree species such as Acacia confusa, Lophostemon confertus, Pinus elliottii were widely planted in local afforestation projects.
Though exotic tree species have had good performance in controlling soil erosion in the past, these woodlands are now facing with many problems such as aging, lack of growing space, low habitat diversity and species biodiversity, etc. Some of these exotic tree communities are even exclusive in nature. It is difficult for other tree species to grow underneath by natural succession, making rather slow natural regeneration of native plants.
In order to enhance the ecological values of these plantations, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) launched a programme named “Country Parks Plantation Enrichment Programme (PEP)” in 2009. Major measures include thinning of aging exotic tree species (such as Acacia confusa, Melaleuca cajuputi and Eucalyptus, etc) planting of native tree seedlings and post-planting maintenance. The Green Earth has started participating in the programme from Dec 2016 and gathering public efforts to build native tree woodland together. Through planting native tree seedlings in the existing woodlands, the programme aims to increase biodiversity and ecological values of plantations in country parks.
About PEP
Woodlands were largely destroyed in World War II. The Hong Kong government has invested a lot of resources in massive afforestation work to restore barren hillsides and eroded slopes. Most areas were seriously eroded and due to the relatively higher adaptability of exotic tree species, they were strategically chosen to plant as pioneer trees to help land rehabilitation and soil erosion control. Before the 80s, exotic tree species such as Acacia confusa, Lophostemon confertus, Pinus elliottii were widely planted in local afforestation projects.
Though exotic tree species have had good performance in controlling soil erosion in the past, these woodlands are now facing with many problems such as aging, lack of growing space, low habitat diversity and species biodiversity, etc. Some of these exotic tree communities are even exclusive in nature. It is difficult for other tree species to grow underneath by natural succession, making rather slow natural regeneration of native plants.
In order to enhance the ecological values of these plantations, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) launched a programme named “Country Parks Plantation Enrichment Programme (PEP)” in 2009. Major measures include thinning of aging exotic tree species (such as Acacia confusa, Melaleuca cajuputi and Eucalyptus, etc) planting of native tree seedlings and post-planting maintenance. The Green Earth has started participating in the programme from Dec 2016 and gathering public efforts to build native tree woodland together. Through planting native tree seedlings in the existing woodlands, the programme aims to increase biodiversity and ecological values of plantations in country parks.
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Story of Our Woodlands
Story of Our Woodlands
Site 6 (TGE/2017-2021)
Vegetation was ruined by hillfire in 1999. Restoration plantation was carried out in 2000 to 2001. 20,000 seedlings were planted, in which around 35% were local species. After 17 years, Acacia confusa and Casuarina equisetifolia are now the dominant species in the woodland.
Site 7 (TGE/2017-2021)
It is located next to South East New Territory landfill. The government has established the woodland with mainly Acacia confusa as a natural barrier. Another public plantation project was carried out in 2004. 10,000 seedlings were planted in which 60% were local species. As constantly affected by sea breeze, exotic trees performed better than native species. Acacia confusa has therefore become the dominant species.
Site 7 (TGE/2017-2021)
It is located next to South East New Territory landfill. The government has established the woodland with mainly Acacia confusa as a natural barrier. Another public plantation project was carried out in 2004. 10,000 seedlings were planted in which 60% were local species. As constantly affected by sea breeze, exotic trees performed better than native species. Acacia confusa has therefore become the dominant species.
Site 7 (TGE/2018-2022)
It is located at mountainside of High Junk Peak, one of the three sharp peaks at Sai Kung. The existing woodland was established in around beginning of Millennium, formed by mainly Acacia confusa and Acacia auriculiformis, as well as Eucalyptus and Casuarina equisetifolia. Barbed climbers growing underneath and gravels on top soil increase the difficulty of tree-planting.
Site 2 (TGE/2019-2023)
It is located in Shek Lung Kung, on Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail. Standing in front of the woodland, one can enjoy a panoramic view covering the whole Tsuen Wan district and 3 main bridges in Hong Kong (Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and Stonecutters’ Bridge). Before we introduced new local trees, Acacia confusa, A. auriculiformis and Casuarina equisetifolia were dominant species in this woodland. It is also home of wild cattle. Special attention was made when we selected seedling species as naughty cattle may eat all the seedlings.
Site 2 (TGE/2019-2023)
It is located in Shek Lung Kung, on Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail. Standing in front of the woodland, one can enjoy a panoramic view covering the whole Tsuen Wan district and 3 main bridges in Hong Kong (Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and Stonecutters’ Bridge). Before we introduced new local trees, Acacia confusa, A. auriculiformis and Casuarina equisetifolia were dominant species in this woodland. It is also home of wild cattle. Special attention was made when we selected seedling species as naughty cattle may eat all the seedlings.
Site 7 (TGE/2019-2023)
This is TGE’s fourth PEP planting site on the Junk Peak Country Trail. As half of the woodland area is located at a steep slope, exotic species with strong adaptability like Acacia mangium and A. auriculiformis were selected when the woodland was established in around 2003. However these exotic trees have grown so fast and blocked the sunlight reaching understory of the woodland. Large amount of leaf litters underneath further slowed down the process of ecological succession. There is a need for us to introduce local plant seedlings.
Site 12 (TGE/2020-2024)
This woodland is located near MacLehose Trail section 133, Shing Mun Country Park. Half of the trees in the woodland now were Acacia confusa which have been planted since around 2001. But they were found feeble after extraordinary weather events including frost and freezing rains as well as super typhoon Mangkhut. Planting more native plant species can revitalize the woodland and provide a wider variety of flowers and fruits, enhancing the biodiversity of this woodland.
Site 12 (TGE/2020-2024)
This woodland is located near MacLehose Trail section 133, Shing Mun Country Park. Half of the trees in the woodland now were Acacia confusa which have been planted since around 2001. But they were found feeble after extraordinary weather events including frost and freezing rains as well as super typhoon Mangkhut. Planting more native plant species can revitalize the woodland and provide a wider variety of flowers and fruits, enhancing the biodiversity of this woodland.
Site 2 (TGE/2021-2025)
A Brisbane box (Lophostemon confertus) woodland has established 32 years ago at Yuen Tun, Tai Lam Country Park. According to hill fire record, at least two fire incidents (1990 and 2014) happened at this location. Some of the Brisbane boxes were so tough and regrew by epicormic shoots. Yet, these shoots are usually weaker to withstand gales.
Another result of hill fire was that the underneath was conquered by thickets of weeds (mainly Dicranopteris pedata and Lepidosperma chinense in this site). They have made native species hard to thrive. This five-year programme aims to plant native trees here, so as to enhance woodland biodiversity.
Site 3 & 4 (TGE/2022-2026)
These two adjacent planting sites are located at Yuen Tun Country Trail of Tai Lam Country Park. The woodlands were established more than 30 years ago and grown with mainly exotic species like Brisbane Box (Lophostemon confertus). It is observed that some of the trees were damaged by hill fire in the past. Although some of them have survived, the regenerated and thinner branches are less resistant to strong wind. The underneath area also has a thick layer of weeds (mostly Dicranopteris pedata), which makes local plants harder to come in and thrive. However, what has made us feel excited is traces of wild animals were found during our site preparation work. By introducing more local plant species to the woodlands in the coming five years, we aim to produce a wider variety of food sources to attract more wildlife and the place may become their habitat.
Site 3 & 4 (TGE/2022-2026)
These two adjacent planting sites are located at Yuen Tun Country Trail of Tai Lam Country Park. The woodlands were established more than 30 years ago and grown with mainly exotic species like Brisbane Box (Lophostemon confertus). It is observed that some of the trees were damaged by hill fire in the past. Although some of them have survived, the regenerated and thinner branches are less resistant to strong wind. The underneath area also has a thick layer of weeds (mostly Dicranopteris pedata), which makes local plants harder to come in and thrive. However, what has made us feel excited is traces of wild animals were found during our site preparation work. By introducing more local plant species to the woodlands in the coming five years, we aim to produce a wider variety of food sources to attract more wildlife and the place may become their habitat.
How to convert the woodlands?
1. Divide the woodland into many study quadrats
2. Strategically remove exotic tree species within the designated quadrats
3. Replace with native tree species
4. Annual growth check and tree-care maintenance (like weeding and adding fertilizer)
5. Conduct ecological survey regularly
The process will take at least 5 years.
Different from normal tree-planting activity, all PEP procedures are conducted in existing woodlands. It will be a new experience to most members of the public.
How to convert the woodlands?
1. Divide the woodland into many study quadrats
2. Strategically remove exotic tree species within the designated quadrats
3. Replace with native tree species
4. Annual growth check and tree-care maintenance (like weeding and adding fertilizer)
5. Conduct ecological survey regularly
The process will take at least 5 years.
Different from normal tree-planting activity, all PEP procedures are conducted in existing woodlands. It will be a new experience to most members of the public.
Story of woodlands in Hong Kong
We have worked with Bupa Hong Kong, designed and published the virtual One Health Woodland. Please "come in" and get to know more about how to make our forests sustainable and flourishing again.
Native Tree Species
Native Tree Species
| English Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Hilo Holly | Ardisia crenata |
| Pop-gun Seed, Pikpoktai | Bridelia tomentosa |
| Caduous-petal Camellia | Camellia kissii |
| Tea | Camellia sinensis |
| Camphor Tree | Cinnamomum camphora |
| Yellow Cinnamomum | Cinnamomum parthenoxylon |
| Lidded Cleistocalyx | Cleistocalyx nervosum |
| - | Daphniphyllum calycinum |
| - | Daphniphyllum oldhamii |
| Chinese Eurya | Eurya chinensis |
| Lingnan Garcinia | Garcinia oblongifolia |
| Cape Jasmine | Gardenia jasminoides |
| Rough-leaved Holly | Ilex asprella |
| Small-fruited Holly, Chinese Holly | Ilex rotunda Thunb. var. microcarpa |
| Small-leaved Holly | Ilex viridis |
| Sweet Gum | Liquidambar formosana |
| Harland's Tanbark | Lithocarpus harlandii |
| Fragrant Litsea | Litsea cubeba |
| Short-flowered Machilus | Machilus breviflora |
| Chekiang Machilus | Machilus chekiangensis |
| Many-nerved Machilus | Machilus pauhoi |
| Strawberry Tree, Yang Mei | Morella rubra |
| Emarginate-leaved Ormosia, Shrubby Ormosia | Ormosia emarginata |
| Hong Kong Gordonia, Gordonia | Polyspora axillaris |
| Karnikar, Heterophyllous Winged-seed Tree | Pterospermum heterophyllum |
| Callery Pear | Pyrus calleryana |
| Reevesia, Buch-like Reevesia | Reevesia thyrsoidea |
| Hong Kong Hawthorn | Rhaphiolepis indica |
| Rhodoleia | Rhodoleia championii |
| Mountain Tallow Tree | Sapium discolor |
| Ivy Tree | Schefflera heptaphylla |
| Schima, Chinese Gugertree | Schima superba |
| Chinese Sloanea | Sloanea sinensis |
| Hance's Syzygium | Syzygium hancei |
| Melia-leaved Evodia | Tetradium glabrifolium |
| Sweet Viburnum | Viburnum odoratissimum |
| English Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Hilo Holly | Ardisia crenata |
| Pop-gun Seed, Pikpoktai | Bridelia tomentosa |
| Caduous-petal Camellia | Camellia kissii |
| Tea | Camellia sinensis |
| Camphor Tree | Cinnamomum camphora |
| Yellow Cinnamomum | Cinnamomum parthenoxylon |
| Lidded Cleistocalyx | Cleistocalyx nervosum |
| - | Daphniphyllum calycinum |
| - | Daphniphyllum oldhamii |
| Chinese Eurya | Eurya chinensis |
| Lingnan Garcinia | Garcinia oblongifolia |
| Cape Jasmine | Gardenia jasminoides |
| Rough-leaved Holly | Ilex asprella |
| Small-fruited Holly, Chinese Holly | Ilex rotunda Thunb. var. microcarpa |
| Small-leaved Holly | Ilex viridis |
| Sweet Gum | Liquidambar formosana |
| Harland's Tanbark | Lithocarpus harlandii |
| Fragrant Litsea | Litsea cubeba |
| Short-flowered Machilus | Machilus breviflora |
| Chekiang Machilus | Machilus chekiangensis |
| Many-nerved Machilus | Machilus pauhoi |
| Strawberry Tree, Yang Mei | Morella rubra |
| Emarginate-leaved Ormosia, Shrubby Ormosia | Ormosia emarginata |
| Hong Kong Gordonia, Gordonia | Polyspora axillaris |
| Karnikar, Heterophyllous Winged-seed Tree | Pterospermum heterophyllum |
| Callery Pear | Pyrus calleryana |
| Reevesia, Buch-like Reevesia | Reevesia thyrsoidea |
| Hong Kong Hawthorn | Rhaphiolepis indica |
| Rhodoleia | Rhodoleia championii |
| Mountain Tallow Tree | Sapium discolor |
| Ivy Tree | Schefflera heptaphylla |
| Schima, Chinese Gugertree | Schima superba |
| Chinese Sloanea | Sloanea sinensis |
| Hance's Syzygium | Syzygium hancei |
| Melia-leaved Evodia | Tetradium glabrifolium |
| Sweet Viburnum | Viburnum odoratissimum |
How you can participate?
How you can participate?
Join as a volunteer
Please register as TGE volunteer
Join as a volunteer
Please register as TGE volunteer
