The beautiful country parks in Hong Kong are well connected by a network of hiking trails of over 500 km. This trail network provides the public with convenient access to different country parks where they can enjoy countryside recreation freely. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is responsible for the construction, management and maintenance works of these hiking trails. The Country Parks Trail Maintenance Team (the Team) of AFCD designs and builds the trails according to the local topography of the sites. Adopting the “Leave No Trace” principle in the construction and maintenance works for trails, the Team applies simple techniques and makes use of on-site natural materials, such as rocks and wooden logs, for the trail works as far as possible. Inevitably, hiking trails are susceptible to prolonged natural erosion by rainfall and increasing human intervention due to the growing popularity of hiking and trail running activities in recent years. The need for trail repairs is therefore pressing. Due to manpower constraint of the Team, coupled with the increasing public concerns and scrutiny over the construction methods for trails and the associated environmental impacts arising from the construction, it is increasingly challenging for AFCD to meet the growing demand for territory-wide trail repair works.

Trail volunteers work together on trail maintenance.

The condition of a heavily eroded trail before and after trail maintenance works.

To cope with the situation, AFCD has been running a public engagement programme called “Repair Our Own Trails” since 2016, which aims at inviting passionate and capable members of the public to join as volunteers for the trail works. The programme started with direct communication with relevant concern groups, organising public forums and inviting volunteers to join the on-site trail works. The Team has mobilised around 500 volunteers to participate in the trail maintenance workshop to share the skills and knowledge in trial maintenance, such as the causes for trail degradation and different repair methods, and at the same time, promote public education on the need and importance of trail maintenance. Volunteers were then invited to participate in the on-site construction and repair works, where they could experience the hardship of trail works and enjoy the satisfaction in constructing trails for our country parks. Over the last few years, positive media reports, and the heartfelt sharing from volunteers of their unique hands-on experiences have further helped promote the sustainable trail concept, the spirit of “Repair Our Own Trails”, as well as building up a workforce in the long run.

Trail volunteers work together to carry the construction materials for trail works.

Trail volunteers and country parks staff carried out trail maintenance works together.

The AFCD thanks all the volunteers for their contribution to the trail works and is grateful for the unending support of the environmental and uniformed groups, which help recruit volunteers for the repair works and continue with the long-term promotion of trail conservation. Why not join us on the “Repair Our Own Trails” programme? AFCD will publish the invitation for the future trail maintenance activities on the departmental website in the near future. You are welcome to join and support!