LANTAU NEWS

WHAT'S HAPPENING ISLAND WIDE

ISLAND IN BLOOM

In spring and early summer, many of Lantau’s native trees and shrubs are in bloom, making it a wonderful time to walk the hills. Deforestation remains an issue in Lantau but these days more native trees are being planted – planting many species of native trees significantly enhances the biodiversity, reduces erosion and makes the hills more beautiful.

It’s easier to identify many native trees and plants when they are flowering. Here are six for you to recognise and enjoy on your walks.

Horticulturalist Paul Melsom of Eagleowl on Lantau (eagleowlonlantau1@gmail.com) is an expert in native tree landscape restoration; he takes student groups on local eco-walks, and teaches ecological gardening.

Chestnut Oak (Castanopsis fissa) This tree stands out from afar in the forest canopy and it’s a sight to see in April because of its wonderful display of spiky, cream-coloured flowers.

Photos courtesy of Paul Melson

Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) Get up close to this plant in April to enjoy the sweet and distinctive fragrance that emanates from its conical cluster of small white flowers.

Formosa Ash (Fraxinus griffithii) This tree can only be found in Hong Kong growing naturally in Lantau. It blooms in April, when its fantastic cream feathers pierce the sky.

Rose Myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) Climb 100 metres into the hills in May to appreciate the thousands of rose-pink flowers put forth by this very common but beautiful shrub.

Pond Spice (Litsea glutinosa) In bloom from May, this tree has distinctive mustard-coloured flowers and produces blue/black berries which birds like to feed on in winter.

Microcos (Microcos nervosa) The locals call this tree ‘Rag Leaf’ because the leaves hang like rags from its branches. The small yellow flowers bloom in June.

TRACK OF TIME PHOTOBOOK

Photo courtesy of Patrick Dransfield

Atrove of black-and-white photographs shows China on the cusp of change: Ham Tin resident Patrick Dransfield’s newly published Track of Time: Moments of Transition comprises over 60 original images taken on the streets of Beijing and Datong during the summer of 1986.

“In 1986, China was at a liminal moment,” Patrick says. “For those endless-seeming four months I took image after image, roll after roll of 120 film with my trusty Seagull camera (and no light metre), thus creating an archive of images of a time now long gone.”

You can grab your copy of Track of Time: Moments of Transition for HK$399 at bookstores throughout Hong Kong – including VIBE Book and Music Shop in Mui Wo. Patrick is donating HK$20 for each book sold to children’s cancer research.Photo courtesy of Fitness in Motion

THE FITNESS IN MOTION TEAM

Photo courtesy of Fitness in Motion

Fitness in Motion is now offering a full range of martial arts, mobility and fitness classes out of its brand-new studio in Tung Chung.

Getting fit isn’t just about losing weight,” says founder Maxim Minin. “For most people, there’s a lot more to it than simply dropping pounds and many reasons beyond vanity why it might be important. We work with clients from all kinds of backgrounds, many of whom want to get fit because of health risks or to manage already existing conditions.

From April, Fitness in Motion has two new 30-day unlimited packages on offer, both for just HK$1,880. The Serenity Package includes unlimited access to all yoga, Pilates, dance, meditation and Muay Thai classes. The Ultimate Warrior Package includes unlimited access to all the classes in the fighting arts, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, capoeira and boxing. For the class schedule, visit www.fitnessinmotionhk.com.

MESSAGE IN A SHELL

In order to cultivate kindness in tough times, Tung Chung resident Debbie Bailey writes uplifting messages on upcycled scallop shells (donated by local seafood vendors) and leaves them on the Lantau trails and across Hong Kong for people to find.

Since she started her project in January last year, Debbie, an EQ Practitioner, who runs a boutique consulting company, has painted and placed out over 150 scallop shells, and she’s been joined by a network of likeminded friends. “We’ve also expanded to include local artists, and this gives them a platform to show their work,” Debbie says. “We have so far featured 22 artists, eight of whom are from Lantau.”

Debbie posts shell locations on social media, and if you are lucky enough to find one, you can keep it or leave it for someone else to find. Just be sure to take a photo of the shell in its location – or take a selfie with it – and post it on Facebook or Instagram at Messageinashellhk.

Photos courtesy of Debbie Bailey

Photos courtesy of Debbie Bailey