BIG DAY OUT

Hike with Willy

Suzanne Younan, creator of The Green Dragon book series releases free activity pack

Country park reservoir

With hiking being pretty much the only outdoor activity we have had during restrictions, Suzanne Younan, creator of The Green Dragon book series came up with the idea to create a free activity pack to keep little ones entertained while hiking through Aberdeen Country Park. Using the pack, kids can follow the route that inspired Younan’s book The Green Dragon and The Oh No Bird while tackling the problem of litter in our country parks.

The route

The hike takes us from Lady Clementi’s Ride in Shouson Hill, along the water catchments to Aberdeen Country Park. The start of the hike is easy to reach and accessible via a short bus ride up Nam Fung Road from Ocean Park MTR. This relatively flat family hike provides a comfortable stroll along and is doable with young children. You can of course, follow the hike in reverse starting in Aberdeen.

What’s in the pack?

The pack is designed for children aged four to eight years old. It contains directions, photos and numerous activity sheets to be completed along the way as well as some reflective activities and puzzles to finish at home. The pack easily provides a whole day of entertainment for kids.

Activity sheets

The activities are designed to encourage families to get outside and enjoy nature together, they can be completed enroute or at rest stops along the way. There are things to spot, collect, adopt and enjoy.

Lady Clementi’s Ride

Lady Clementi was the wife of Sir Cecil Clementi, the Governor of Hong Kong from 1930-1934. Recognised for her charitable work, this part of the HK Trail (Section 4) was named after her. It takes in the only Feng Shui forest on Hong Kong Island so as you can imagine, this area is a treat for the senses with plenty to see, hear and enjoy.

NATURE HUNT

CAN YOU FIND THESE?

YOU MIGHT HAVE TO LOOK UP TO FIND SOME OF THESE!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY WILLY, THE GREEN DRAGON AND DRACO VIRIDI LTD.

Aberdeen Country Park

Aberdeen Country Park has many trails and different routes to enjoy. Hopefully this hike will encourage you to go back to the Country Park often to explore some other great routes including The Family Nature Trail and the path up to Hong Kong Police Museum at Magazine Gap Road. With two beautiful reservoirs, there is plenty to keep little ones busy.

Wildlife

There are plenty of birds, insects, reptiles and larger beasts – namely wild boars, to spot along the way. Depending on the season, you will see beautiful foliage, flowers, seeds, berries, butterflies, dragonflies, wag tails, starlings…….. the list goes on. Remember to keep your distance from wild boars and snakes that may happen to cross your path. Mostly they will keep their distance before you even spot them, but it’s better to take care.

Litter in the park

Litter bins were removed from country parks several years ago and since then, people have been encouraged to take their rubbish home with them. The Green Dragon and The Oh No Bird aims to raise awareness of littering in the park and encourages readers to consider what they bring to the park and to take home litter at the end of the day. Although picnic areas have been closed for many months due to the pandemic, unfortunately litter in the park continues to be an issue.

How do I receive my pack?

It’s easy! Email info@dracoviridi.com and you will be sent a pack to download and/or print. Share your photos with Willy, The Green Dragon on Facebook; Willy, The Green Dragon and tag us on Instagram @willythegreen.

Suzanne Younan is author of The Green Dragon book series, for more information visit dracoviridi.com