THE Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) is organising a series of countryside educational walks for students and country park visitors in July and August. An AFD spokesman said the main aims of the annual programme were to provide visitors with countryside education and to increase their awareness of the need for countryside conservation. The spokesman said the guided walks were intended for students of Primary Four or above and country park visitors. Among the destinations of the walks are major country parks in Ma On Shan, Tai Mo Shan, Pat Sin Leng, Aberdeen, South Lantau and Shing Mun, the Tai Tong Nursery, Shing Mun Aboretum and Lions Nature Education Centre. 'By visiting the Clear Water Bay Country Park, participants will be able to know more about erosional coastal features and seashore plants,' the spokesman said. 'They are also expected to gain a more in-depth knowledge of the woodland ecology after going to the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve.' The guided walks are one of many activities organised under the annual Summer Youth Programme, sponsored by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. These Country Park Ranger-guided walks are only available to schools or organised groups of 30 to 40 participants with advance booking. Those interested in taking part should contact AFD's Conservation Education Unit, Room 321, Canton Road Government Offices, Kowloon. Telephone enquiries can be made on 2733-2121.
