Watchtowers, walled villages, a forest of camphor trees and a story about a kung fu master from the Qing dynasty all date back more than 300 years.

Given the changes already taking place to pave the way for development when the security zone along the border is opened in stages from 2011, Town Planning Board vice-chairman Greg Wong Chak-yan has urged the government to draft development-control plans before conservation sites are zoned. He said historic and ecological sites could be temporarily protected by drafting a plan that specified activities that are banned in sensitive areas.

The Antiquities and Advisory Board has graded only 10 buildings in the area, but it is understood that a Planning Department inventory says at least 300 buildings and structures have potential heritage value. There are, however, no measures in place to protect these sites because land uses within the border area have yet to be determined.

There are 13 villages in Ta Kwu Ling, which literally means 'drumming range'.

'How the area was named is a story,' said Museum of History adviser Anthony Siu Kwok-kin.

Ta Kwu Ling villages were weak compared with the clan of Wong Pui Leng village in Shenzhen, which had a larger population with more men.

Professor Siu said Wong Pui Leng villagers often raided Ta Kwu Ling, including Muk Wu and Heung Yuen Wai villages, escaping with loot and the harvest.

To safeguard their homes, village representatives swore in front of their gods that they were allies and would help each other when they encountered attacks from outsiders.

Villagers kept watch from the top of the Pak Fu Shan hill. When robbers were seen, they would drum loudly to alert neighbouring villages.

'This is how the drumming range was named,' Professor Siu said.

The defensive architectural style is common in the villages.

Examples include a three-storey watchtower in Heung Yuen Wai and the brick wall surrounding Muk Wu, the village nearest Wong Pui Leng.

The watchtower is connected to a Hakka-style house. Its owner would hide in the tower and shoot missiles at robbers through small holes. Pebbles can still be found on the tower's roof.

Meanwhile, in Muk Wu, the houses face inwards so their backs formed a wall to protect villagers.

A wooden plate inscribed 'Kung Fu master' hangs at the entrance of Chow Tin village.

It was awarded to a villager ranked first in a kung fu exam conducted during the late 19th century in the Qing dynasty.

Professor Siu believes the historic sites should be protected to recall Hong Kong's history from the early 18th century.

Villagers said it was the ancient fung shui woods that gave them the most pleasure and protection.

A Planning Department spokeswoman said the watchtower, Muk Wu village, Hakka houses in Heung Yuen Wai and the wooden 'Kung Fu master' plate were among relics listed as having potential heritage value.

A preliminary concept plan for the border area would be released soon, she added.