On March 1, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong officially established Robin’s Nest Country Park. Located in Sha Tau Kok in Northeastern New Territories, the 530-hectare park is the city’s 25th country park.
Robin’s Nest Country Park is rich in biodiversity and boasts secondary woodland, shrubland, and upland grassland serving as a natural habitat for many highly protected species of animal and plant life. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to spot red azaleas, incense trees, Chinese grassbirds, and Chinese pipistrelles all around you.
Stretching from Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area in the north to Pat Sin Leng Country Park in the South, the park forms a cross-boundary ecological corridor between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The grounds promote ecological integration between the two places, supporting wildlife movement, encouraging genetic exchange, and forming an important step in regional conservation initiatives.
Two hiking trails are currently open to the public: Robin’s Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail. The entrances to the two trails are located at Shan Tsui of Sha Tau Kok and Lin Ma Hang Village respectively, with 4–5 hours required to complete both. A wider hiking trail network with picnic sites and viewing points is in the works, so there will be more ways to explore the park in the future.
Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine will be revitalised and transformed into an open museum within the park, where the public can learn about galena mining and bat colonies. Previously, the site was one of the most extensive mining systems in Hong Kong’s history. Since its abandonment, the cave now supports one of the most important bat colonies in the city. Revitalisation works are expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Before exploring Robin’s Nest Country Park, the government reminds everyone to consider their physical strength, hiking experience, and weather conditions as the trails are remotely located with a rugged landscape. Everyone is encouraged to go with friends or family and practice proper hiking etiquette to help conserve the park by bringing reusable bottles and towels as well as carrying your litter home.
(Images: GovHK)
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Written by
Johanna Muliani
Editorial Assistant, Dining and Culture
An Indonesian enamoured with the sights of Hong Kong, Jo is a curious spirit who loves telling stories with a focus on Art, People, and F&B. After work, you'll find Jo knitting, dabbling in gaming, and looking for where to eat next.
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