The Government has proposed to designate the Robin's Nest Country Park (RNCP) as the 25th country park in Hong Kong and its draft map was gazetted today.

The proposed RNCP is located at Sha Tau Kok in the north-eastern part of the New Territories, with a total area of about 530 hectares and does not include any village environs, permitted burial grounds and private lands.

The Government noted that the proposed RNCP is a hilly terrain with secondary woodland and shrubland habitats dominating on the northern slopes whereas the southern slopes are predominately covered by upland grassland with sparse shrublands.

The area presents a pleasant landscape of high aesthetic value, and is also rich in biodiversity. Upon completion of designation procedures, the RNCP will echo the adjacent Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area to create a cross-border ecological corridor between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will construct a hiking trail network and establish recreational facilities such as picnic sites, viewing points and rain shelters at suitable locations at the RNCP.

The department will also revitalise the Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine site within the country park as an open museum to showcase the mining history, wartime relics and bat ecology to the public, with a view to enriching the local recreation, education and ecotourism resources for public enjoyment.

The draft map is available for public inspection at designated government offices for 60 days starting from today. Copies of the draft map are also available for sale at the department’s headquarters on 5/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices.

Anyone who intends to oppose the draft map may submit a written statement of objection and proposed alterations within the period of 60 days after the notice is gazetted by post to the department’s headquarters.