Lung Fu Shan Country Park

History

In 1993, a government planning study (the Territorial Development Strategy Review) identified the area as a potential site for a new country park.

The Country and Marine Parks Authority prepared a draft map of the proposed Lung Fu Shan Country Park, which was published for public inspection on 5 June 1998. In November 1998, the draft map was approved by the chief executive in council. The 47-hectare country park, the 23rd in Hong Kong, was formally designated on 18 December 1998.

Features

Lung Fu Shan Environmental Education Centre

Situated on Kotewall Road and near University Drive. Established in 2008 by the Hong Kong University and the Environmental Protection Department, the Environmental Education Visitor Centre has been set up to address environmental challenges through collaborative and constructive actions. Its mission is to maintain and take care of nature through education by working together with the University, Government, and the community. Its main goal is to provide accessible education to the community, so that they can grow and become closer to nature

On top of building public awareness and education, the centre is now carrying out Citizen Science projects. Their first BioBlitz was held in 2017, with the 100 participants and volunteers observing 151 species in Lung Fu Shan Country Park with the guidance of 11 experts. In 2018 this was expanded to separate BioBlitz surveys into four animal groups: Birds; Butterflies, (other) Insects, and Amphibians and Reptiles

Lung Fu Shan Trail

The Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail is a 2750 m-long trail on the Peak. Signs on the trail offer information about safe hiking. The trail starts at Pinewood Garden and proceeds through the Pinewood Battery, a few barbecue sites, a number of shelters, a flight of steps, and a stretch of steep road before arriving at the junction of Harlech Road and Hatton Road. It takes about 60 minutes to hike the entire trail.

Pinewood Battery

Main article: Pinewood Battery

Pinewood Battery is a disused military site constructed around 1903, which has been preserved within the country park. The park has interpretive signage illustrating the historical significance of the battery.

Some visitors have illegally used the site for wargaming. To prevent further damage to the battery, the Country and Marine Parks Authority of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) erected a warning sign, stating that "using or possession of any firearm, airgun, propelling or releasing instrument are prohibited". However, many plastic BB bullets are still found on the site.

Image:Lung Fu Shan Pinewood Battery 1.jpg|Towards Pinewood Battery Image:Lung Fu Shan Pinewood Battery 2.jpg|Abandoned buildings Image:Lung Fu Shan Pinewood Battery 3.jpg|Overgrown staircase Image:Lung Fu Shan Pinewood Battery 4.jpg|Sign prohibiting wargaming

View Compass

The View Compass commands an excellent vistas of the western part of the territory and the Victoria Harbour.

References

References

1. (16 December 1998). "Lung Fu Shan designated as the 23rd country park". Hong Kong Government.
2. (5 June 1998). "Draft map for Lung Fu Shan Country Park ready for inspection". Hong Kong Government.
3. (2017-11-01). "The Centre".
4. "Our Story".
5. "生態速查 BioBlitz {{!}} 龍虎山生態速查 Lung Fu Shan BioBlitz".