Symphony in the Concrete Jungle: Inspiring Stewards of Nature

In the heart of Hong Kong, a city often seen as a concrete jungle, the harmonious melody of environmental stewardship resonates, guided by a group of dedicated Ecology & Biodiversity graduates from the School of Biological Sciences.

Through Little Woods Nature Education (Little Woods), they weave a connection between urban dwellers and the city's rich biodiversity, inspiring a new generation to become stewards of the environment. In an enlightening conversation with the environmental educators, including Melody KONG, Anthony YEUNG, Betty WOO, Matthew CHEUNG, and Matt CHAN, we journeyed from the verdant campus of HKU to the blossoming vision of Little Woods Nature Education. Their story, an intertwining narrative of passion, innovation, and commitment, embodies a philosophy that transcends mere business operations. 

As natural educators, these science graduates' journey into the captivating world of biodiversity began with a spark, an innate curiosity that drew them to explore the wonders of nature. As children, they were mesmerised by the beauty of life unfolding in nature documentaries, textbooks, and the hidden biodiversity of Hong Kong's urban landscape.

Their passion was nurtured through various avenues – from university coursework and local or overseas research opportunities to chance encounters with passionate peers who shared the same fervour for understanding the natural world. Their journey went far beyond studying the fascinating relationships between organisms and their environment; it was also about cultivating an appreciation for the delicate balance sustaining life on Earth. As Kong puts it, ‘The more I learned, the more I became aware of how much I don't know! This motivates me to keep exploring.’

With an aim to inspire appreciation for nature by transforming the intricate language of sustainability into an engaging dialogue for the public, Little Woods organises immersive activities like creating habitats for local species, identifying plants, and exploring the significance of wetland ecosystems. Anchored in their vision of inspiring reflection on personal lifestyles and their impacts on nature, these educators draw from their university experiences to develop interactive workshops and field trips. As Yeung reflects on his time at HKU, ‘The field trips I participated in during my undergraduate study have provided me with valuable knowledge of local biodiversity and demonstration skills in eco-tour.’ These experiences not only provided them with a solid understanding of ecological principles but also equipped them with the skills to effectively communicate these complex concepts.

Their dedication to making complex ecological concepts accessible has led them to employ innovative teaching strategies like gamification and storytelling. Through gamification, they incorporate ecological concepts into gameplay, making the learning experience enjoyable for all participants. Specifically, their focus on explaining the 'why' behind certain behaviours or phenomena echoes their experiences at HKU, where they were instilled with an inquisitive mindset and unique approaches to researching and presenting the work. By balancing scientific rigour with engaging content, they captivate the audience and shed light on the intricacy of nature in which we all play a part.

This inspiring pursuit has also faced challenges, especially engaging audiences not initially drawn to ecology. ‘One strategy we have used is to promote environmental education as a means of developing soft skills like observation, inquisitiveness, or empathy,’ Cheung shares. Their efforts have yielded fruitful results, particularly in their work with students with special educational needs (SEN), who exhibit increased engagement and expressiveness in natural settings.

As graduates in Ecology & Biodiversity, the founders and operators of Little Woods are passionate about moulding the environmental guardians of tomorrow. Their unwavering commitment to remaining at the forefront of the latest research in ecology and biodiversity breathes life into their educational programmes, ensuring relevance and engagement.

Looking ahead, they are excited to build meaningful partnerships with a diverse range of organisations, aiming to broaden their reach and amplify their impact. Through these collaborations, they have found inspiration and enrichment, as working with individuals from varied backgrounds has offered fresh perspectives and valuable insights. By sharing the beauty and diversity of Hong Kong’s local biodiversity with a wider audience, they hope to foster a deep sense of pride and responsibility for the unique habitats and species that define the region.

The echoes of Little Woods in the hearts and minds of individuals, communities, and the environment highlight the transformative power of environmental education. These natural educators credit their time at HKU Science for nurturing their passion and dedication to making a difference. As Kong advises current Science students, ‘Follow your passion and use your knowledge to create positive change.’

With the seeds of ecological love nurtured by Little Woods, the future of Hong Kong promises to be greener, and its song of nature, louder. The breeze whispers: ‘Nature's realm, vast and wide, a classroom without walls or pride, earth and sky, woods and streams, mountains and sea, all our teachers in our dreams.’