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Lee Wing-Sze

Parents should take children hiking in the countryside, especially those living in a congested city such as Hong Kong. The countryside offers exciting flora and fauna, it can be fun and you can learn a lot.
Some hiking tracks with steep slopes and steps may be too tough for young children, but the Aberdeen Nature Trail,  in the 423-hectare Aberdeen Country Park, is a smooth and easy path for all ages.
The 1.2km path, with an abundance of plants and wildlife, connects the Aberdeen Upper and Lower Reservoirs.
The trail is ideal for families to spend time and have fun together in the green and tranquil environment. Take the right path at the entrance and walk along for about five minutes to reach the Aberdeen Lower Reservoir where the Aberdeen Nature Trail starts.
The information board, map and signposts along the path introduce various species of plants, lichen soil-type and wildlife in the park.
The white gordonia  are seasonal flowers which blossom in the park in the spring and are pleasing on the eye. Other plants include sandpaper vine  - the leaves of which were used to wash dishes many years ago - and Hong Kong hawthorn. The variety is a combined result of reforestation.
Within a few minutes of the starting point you will reach a spot where you can appreciate the panoramic landscape of Aberdeen with a view over the Aberdeen typhoon shelter,  Shum Wan,  Ap Lei Chau,  a 63-year-old Roman Catholic seminary and several major estates in the Aberdeen area.
Birds such as hwamei  and beautiful butterflies such as the large faun,  a maroon butterfly found in humid and shaded environments, fly around the park. Aberdeen is also a major habitat for black-eared kites.
Aberdeen Country Park's  warden  Chan Man-hoi says  if the weather is good and visitors are lucky enough, they may encounter some squirrels in the greenery. 'You won't always find [squirrels] here, it depends on the weather,' he says.
Most of the trail is well shaded with fully-grown trees, making it a pleasant path to walk even under the hot weather of summer, which is also the best time to watch butterflies in the area.
According to Mr Chan, at least 80 different species of butterflies can be found within the Aberdeen Country Park, one of the oldest parks in the city and regarded as the backyard of Hong Kong Island.
The trail also has several picnic and barbecue sites. Mr Chan says one of the specialities of the Aberdeen Nature Trail, which can be easily completed within an hour, is that visitors can change their route according to their physical  abilities, time and preference. Families that like to extend their hiking can approach Aberdeen Upper Reservoir via Lady Clementi's Ride,  which is a well-shaded path with steps and a popular route for hikers, and is slightly more difficult than the Aberdeen Nature Trail.
Hikers can also take an alternative route to Wan Chai through Wan Chai Gap  instead of returning to Aberdeen.
'The Aberdeen Nature Trail is a very convenient location. You can change your route easily through reading the signposts which show the remaining distance and direction,' Mr Chan explains.
Mr Chan says the nature trail is ideal for hikes all year round and there are different wonders to explore depending on the season.
'In spring, you'll see flowers blossom. In summer, you'll come across many butterflies and birds,' he says. The dams will also be filled with water during the summer, offering a scenic waterscape. From September to March every year the reservoirs are open to the public for fishing.
Mr Chan says parents should remind children not to touch plants and insects along the trail.
'Especially in the summer when there are more colourful and beautiful caterpillars of butterflies and moths. Children's skin may be allergic to them,' he says, adding that parents should also bring along sufficient water, apply sun block lotion and spray themselves and their children with insect repellent.
There are also some new paths with high conservation and education values that are managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department that are just as much fun for a family day.
One of them is the 800-metre Rotary Club Park Nature Trail  near Tai Mo Shan Country Park.  The path begins at the Rotary Club Park and ends at Sun Hoi Tin.
The path features natural woodland, scrubland and plantation. Visitors can enjoy the views of Chuen Lung Village,  Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi Island, Hong Kong Island's Victoria Peak and Mount Davis from a distance when the weather is fine.
Hikers can also visit the Lai Chi Wo Village  near the Plover Cove Country Park  to learn more about the rural heritage of the Hakka people and see the unique Hollow Tree  and Five-finger Camphor.
Aberdeen Nature Trail details visit www.afcd.gov.hk/parks/trails/Chi/hiking/ntrail/ntrail_abd.htm



In touch with nature