H.K. Wetland Park - Tin Shui Wai
Written and Illustrated by: Pippa Yu, Yuka Suzuki, Neha Navalani and Diya Dadlani
History
The land of Hong Kong Wetland Park was at first supposed to be an ecological mitigation area to compensate for the loss of wetlands after the development of the town built in Tin Shui Wai but in 1998, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (then known as the Agriculture and Fisheries Department) and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (then known as Hong Kong Tourists Association) instructed for an “International Wetland Park and Visitor Centre Feasibility Study” to expand the Environmental Management Association into a world-class wetland ecotourism attraction. The study was to see if the park would be able to build. Although it seems like the 61 hectare park would be stripped from its natural properties, no such harm was done because the of the feasibility study. The park would be developed at the EMA without compromising the original purpose. When the study was over, it was confirmed that the grounds were feasible. The park was then designated as one of the Millennium projects. The park opened on 20th May 2000 with the purpose to display the properties of the wetlands ecosystem and educate the general public on the the biodiversity and more.
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Things to do and see
The H.K. Wetland Park is a fun-filled yet relaxing nature park suitable for all ages. Other than enjoying the beautiful scenery and a breathe of fresh air there are also many other things to see and do such as meeting Pui Pui, the saltwater crocodile, or wandering around the Eco Maze. Take a stroll along the stream walk looking onto the endless lakes and discover the beautiful flowers surrounding you. For animal enthusiasts, look out for the bird watching pavilions, butterfly garden and fishpond hide to discover all the many different species of birds, butterflies and fish. |
The 600,000 square metre Wetland Park, is bound to provide a brilliant experience of the nature around us. With all the different experiences, from the mangrove boardwalk to the wildside walk, there is definitely something to do and see for everyone. The plants around the Wetland Park are plentiful, are not only native to Hong Kong but some being native to places such as Mexico, Honduras, India and more.
Activities and Challenges
BUTTERFLY FINDS
Materials - A camera
This activity should be done in the Butterfly Garden. When you have reached the Butterfly Garden, keep your eyes peeled. Look out for the butterflies fluttering around the garden, some may travel more slowly but some travel much faster. The first person to capture three images or videos of three different species of butterflies and can correctly identify them, wins this activity. |
NATURAL ART
Materials - A reusable carrier bag
Throughout your journey around the H.K. Wetland Park collect different items: leaves, petals, twigs etc. that have already fallen onto the ground, do not destroy the nature. Nearing to the end of your trip, use the items you have collected to try and make a natural art piece. Try to create a art piece that includes the features of nature, for example use the items to make an art piece of a bird. |
SCAVENGER HUNT
Materials - A reusable carrier bag & a camera
This is could be played individually or in pairs. You will be given a list of things to find,collect and take pictures of. You must try to collect them all without damaging any nature. The person with the most points is the winner.
This is could be played individually or in pairs. You will be given a list of things to find,collect and take pictures of. You must try to collect them all without damaging any nature. The person with the most points is the winner.
Photography Hunt :
- Three species of birds - Two species of butterflies - Pui Pui - Three species of fish - Ten species of flowers - Five species of trees - An insect |
Collecting Hunt (fallen items, do not harm nature) :
- Eleven types of leaves - Seven different petals - A Y shaped twig - Three different small rocks - A seed/seedpod - Something of each of the colours of the rainbow |
Island Flora
BLOOD FLOWER
Scientific name Asclepias curassavica, is a type of flower known to attract butterflies and birds. The blood flower has beautiful sunset colours and long leafy stem with a height of 1-3 feet.
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FALSE HEATHER
Scientific name Cuphea hyssopifolia, is a type of flower native to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. False Heather has achieved the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
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FALSE PINEAPPLE
Scientific name Pandanus kaida, is a pineapple-like fruit but they are not to be mistaken for the screw pine. This plant is a native to Hong Kong. It has many uses such as live fencing, pollen-insect repellent, etc.
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ROSE MYRTLE
Scientific name Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, is a type flower which is native to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. They are normally found on the hillsides of Hong Kong. It’s flowers bloom from April to June.
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Island Bird Life
COLLARED CROWS
Scientific name Corvus Torquatus, lives in fish ponds and coastal wetlands, and is a resident in Hong Kong. It sometimes flies in an unusual manner, with its feet hanging down. You can spot the Collared Crow at the Fishpond Hide.
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ORIENTAL REED WARBLER
scientific name Acrocephalus Orientalis, are very different from normal reed warblers. They are easy to spot, and live in reed marshes and shrublands. They are the most active in Autumn and Spring.
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COMMON KINGFISHER
scientific name Alcedo Atthis, have a unique way of fishing for its food. It hovers above the water, and when it spots a fish, it plunges into the water for its prey. They then bring their captured prey back to their perch, and swallow it head-first.
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Island Animals
SALTWATER CROCODILE
Pui Pui is a crocodile that measures 2.46m in length and weighs 19.5kg. She was first found in Sham Pui River near Yuen Long in Hong Kong, on the 3rd of November, 2003. Where she came from was unknown, but it was suspected that she might be an illegal pet escaped from her owner’s home or was brought to the river after she grew too big. The crocodile escaped from crocodile hunters from China and Australia, but was eventually captured by a trap set by the AFCD officers 7 months later. The name “Pui Pui’ was chosen out of 1 600 entries, and means ‘precious one’. On the 15th of August 2006, Pui Pui moved to wetland park, and you can visit her at her pool.
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BLUE SPOTTED MUDSKIPPER
scientific name Boleophthalmus Pectinirostris, are one of the two species of mudskippers found in wetland park. The other is called the Common Mudskipper, scientific name Periophthalmus Modestus. Although they are both mudskippers, the Bluespotted Mudskipper is larger in size, and have distinctive blue spots on its body. The Bluespotted Mudskipper eats algae and debris on mudflat when it is low tide.
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Ticketing
The H.K. Wetland Park is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Tuesdays. The ticketing office is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The expected time taken to journey through the H.K. Wetland Park is approximately 3 hours or more.
ADULTS aged 18-64 - $30 entry fee SENIOR CITIZENS aged 65 or above - $15 entry fee CHILDREN aged 3-17 - $15 entry fee CHILDREN aged 3 and below - Free |
Getting there
Equipment
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito Spray
- Water
- Camera
- First aid kit
- Umbrella ( if necessary)
Risk assessment
HAZARDS |
RISKS |
CONTROL MEASURE |
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN |
Pathway over the lake (Stream Walk) with no barriers. |
Tripping and falling into the lake. |
Walk in a single file and do not run around whilst on the pathway. |
Use safety rings located around the lake and contact staff or adults for help. |
Steep steps |
Missing steps and tripping over. |
Do not rush and push whilst on the stairs |
Contact an adult for help (if needed), use plasters from first aid kit. |
Wet paths and rocks |
Slipping and falling on wet paths and rocks. |
Watch where your stepping, especially when visiting the H.K. Wetland Park after it has been raining. |
Use a first aid kit for any injuries and if the accident is more serious contact staff or an adult for help. |
Bibliography
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- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/great-outdoors/nature-parks/hong-kong-wetland-park.jsp
- http://www.nextstophongkong.com/hong-kong-wetland-park/
- https://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/en/qa/index.asp
- http://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/en/
- http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/annual/blood-flower/
- http://www.googlemaps.com
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuphea_hyssopifolia
- http://www.momjunction.com/articles/games-to-play-at-the-park-with-your-kids_00349982/#gref
- http://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/park-games-for-kids/
- http://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/en/biodiversity/wildlife/crabs_mudskipper/details/crabs_mudskipper_05.asp
- https://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/en/exhibition/live.asp#
- https://hkmarinelife.hk/2015/02/11/saltwater-crocodiles-local-celebrity-and-the-hk-wetland-park/
- http://www.treknature.com/gallery/Asia/China/South/Hong_Kong/photo175471.htm
- http://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/en/biodiversity/wildlife/birds/details/birds_040.asp
- https://sussle.org/t/Collared_crow
- https://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/en/aboutus/index.asp
- https://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/en/biodiversity/wildlife/birds/details/birds_033.asp
- http://www.wwf.org.hk/en/?14320/Press-release-Oldest-reedbed-bird-and-new-to-science-beetle-species-found-in-Mai-Po-Nature-Reserve-The-good-news-marks-the-beginning-of-the-birdwatching-season
- https://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/en/biodiversity/wildlife/birds/details/birds_037.asp
- https://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/en/biodiversity/wildlife/birds/details/birds_025.asp
- http://www.theanimalfiles.com/birds/kingfishers_relatives/common_kingfisher.html