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Hong Kong’s country parks feature an extensive network of over 500 kilometers of hiking trails, managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The AFCD has adopted the concept of sustainable trails, planning and constructing these trails using the “handcrafted trail” approach. This method minimizes impact on natural resources such as soil, vegetation, and ecology, while making the trails resistant to natural erosion, allowing them to remain in good condition over the long term and be used sustainably by hikers.
With growing public interest in nature conservation, there is increasing curiosity about trail construction and maintenance. To enhance public understanding of trail building and raise awareness about trail conservation, the AFCD launched the “Build Your Own Trail” programme in 2016. This initiative invites the public to participate in trail maintenance activities in various country parks and has attracted over 1,500 participants to date.
Building on this success, the AFCD is now rolling out the “Country Parks Trail Volunteer Scheme” to promote sustainable use of hiking trails and involve more public members to take part in trail maintenance. The programme aims to deepen public understanding of Hong Kong’s trail building methods and principles and to raise public awareness of protecting country parks and hiking trails.
Interested in joining? Read on for details about the programme, then complete and submit the application form along with supporting documents to become a Country Parks Trail Volunteer. Successful applicants can sign up for trail maintenance activities held in fall and winter seasons.
How to Apply
Recruitment of volunteers for 2025 has closed. Applicants will be notified of the results by email by the end of September 2025.
For enquiries, please contact the Trail Volunteer Service Unit at cptrailvolunteer@afcd.gov.hk.
Trail Volunteer Activities
Trail maintenance activities take place on trails within country parks and include the following:
| Activity Types | Description |
|---|---|
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1. Trail Building Technique Trainings |
These training focus on specific trail-building techniques, guided by experienced instructors. Volunteers learn and practice methods, including:
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2. Trail Maintenance Workshops |
These workshops focus on repairing a damaged trail section, with techniques chosen based on the trail’s condition, local morphology, and available materials. Held on weekends with around 20 participants, volunteers work in small groups at different locations along the trail. |
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3. “Trail Master” Workshops |
These workshops will be organised during weekdays with 3-7 participants. They target high-traffic trail during weekend to minimize disruption to users. The format is similar to the Trail Maintenance Workshop. |
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4. Trail Theory and Knowledge Course |
This course covers the history and development of country parks, geology, ecology, sustainable trail design, activity planning and preparation, and first aid. |
Note: If the Hong Kong Observatory issues a thunderstorm warning, rainstorm warning (yellow, red or black), and/or tropical cyclone warning No. 1 or above two hours before the assembly time on the training day, the training on that day will be postponed to a backup day without further notice.
Volunteer Tiers
The programme includes three volunteer tiers:
| Volunteer Tiers | Requirements |
|---|---|
|
1. Trainee Trail Volunteer |
Register as a Country Parks Trail Volunteer and provide proof of prior participation in trail maintenance workshops (e.g., certificates from the AFCD or partner organizations, photos, or videos). |
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2. Official Trail Volunteer |
To qualify, complete: 1) At least five training sessions on different trail building techniques; 2) At least three trail maintenance workshops; and 3) Inspect at least three hiking trails. AFCD instructors will assess the volunteer’s ability to use maintenance tools correctly. Exemption: Volunteers who, between 2016 and 2025, 1)participated in at least three trail maintenance workshops and 2)four different techniques/activities (with proof like group photos or videos), and agree to the Trail Volunteer Code of Conduct can directly become Official Trail Volunteers. (Exemption applies only to 2025 recruits.) |
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3. Senior Trail Volunteer |
To qualify, complete: 1) All eight training sessions on maintenance techniques; 2) All theory and knowledge courses; and 3) At least 120 hours of trail maintenance work. Volunteers must also demonstrate proficiency in using tools and explaining techniques. Senior volunteers assist AFCD instructors in leading others. Exemption: Volunteers who, between 2016 and 2025, 1) completed at least 120 hours of trail maintenance (excluding event coordination), 2) participated in six different techniques/activities (with proof), 3) can explain techniques, 4)have led activities, and 5) pass an interview and practical assessment can directly become Senior Trail Volunteers. (Exemption applies only to 2025 recruits.) |
Volunteer Recognition
To honour volunteers’ contributions, e-certificates are awarded annually based on accumulated service hours.
Activity Schedule
Trail maintenance activities typically run from October to March, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Due to the remote locations, volunteers should commit to a full day for logistical reasons. Volunteers can sign up based on their availability.
Participant Information
- Participants must be able to read Chinese and communicate in Cantonese.
- Participants shall be Hong Kong residents.
- Enrolment is open for the public aged 18 or above.
- The information provided by participants shall be true and correct.
- Trail Volunteer Service Unit will only communicate with volunteers via email. Volunteers must have and be able to use a computer with software which can open the documents in PDF, Word and Excel format.
- Volunteers and trainees should read the "Guidelines and Code of Practice for Trail Volunteers". (Click here (Chinese only) to download)
- Volunteers should wear AFCD-provided volunteer T-shirts during activities.
- No remuneration, transportation allowance and insurance will be provided for volunteer services.
- Country Parks trail volunteer activities are provided on voluntary basis. Volunteers must be responsible for their own safety and take into account their physical fitness and interests before participating in the services.
Personal Data Collection Statement
The personal information is provided by the participant voluntarily for relevant activities organized by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The information will be provided to relevant staff for application processing, contact and other relevant purposes. Provided that there are no specific administrative reasons, only the name and the related activities of the participant will be kept for record purposes. Except with the consent of participant, all the personal information collected will be destroyed within 6 months after the participant withdrawn from the volunteer scheme. For enquiries or amendment to the information provided, please send us a written request.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can those under 18 participate?
A: No. Trail maintenance involves heavy tools and materials like crowbars, hoes, stones, and timber. For safety, participants must be 18 or older.
- Q: How do I become a Country Parks Trail Volunteer?
A: Fill out the application form and submit it with supporting documents by 10 SAeptember, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified via email in September 2025 and can join activities from October to March.
- Q: I've never done trail maintenance but want to join. What should I do?
A: The pilot phase prioritizes those with prior experience in AFCD or partnered NGOs workshops. As the programme expands, opportunities will open for newcomers. If you lack experience, consider joining trail maintenance workshops hosted by NGOs next fall or winter to gain relevant skills.