Enhancing the ecological value of Long Valley Nature Park to protect biodiversity and support diverse bird species.
Long Valley Nature Park is a showcase where 37 hectares of underutilized farmland was transformed into Hong Kong’s largest contiguous freshwater wetland — proving that urban growth and ecological integrity can thrive together.
As part of Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis development, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) needed to balance urgent long-term housing demand in Kwu Tung North and Fanling North with the need to stimulate sustainable growth. AECOM stepped in to turn that challenge into an opportunity.
Our integrated design approach
AECOM led the project and delivered multidisciplinary services across design, construction supervision, ecology, water quality engineering, landscape architecture, building design, and park planning. We collaborated closely with the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), green groups such as the Conservancy Association (CA) and the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS), ecologists, and local farmers to create a nature‑based solution that protects and enhances ecological integrity.
| Biodiversity Zone (~21 ha) | • Area of wetland increased by ~8 hectares through the conversion of dry agricultural land and abandoned farmland into wetlands • Various types of wetland habitats are provided for foraging, sheltering and breeding of birds and other wildlife |
| Agriculture Zone (~11 ha) | • Comprises various types of fields and maintains an open field for commercial farming using eco-friendly or organic farming methods |
| Visitor Zone (~5 ha) | • Provides facilities including a wetland square and birding hut to appreciate the wetland ecosystem in proximity • Offers a space for workshops and activities to enhance the public’s understanding of Long Valley’s significance |
Reviving wetlands and enriching biodiversity
The LVNP revives underutilized farmlands into diverse wetland habitats, providing a haven for various wetland species to forage, take shelter, and breed. The mosaic pattern design of farmlands enables an even distribution of habitats throughout the park.
Achievement in biodiversity enhancement at LVNP within the project period*:
Additionally, irrigation water for Long Valley, sourced from the Sheung Yue River, is naturally purified through our water treatment wetland. The system consists of three zones — a sedimentation pond, a macrophyte zone, and an open‑water zone — that work together to remove sediments, filter pollutants, and reduce pathogens through sunlight exposure. The sustainably treated water is then used for irrigation in the Agricultural and Biodiversity Zones.
Designing for climate resilience
The Long Valley Nature Centre is a new educational hub highlighting the area’s ecological value. Designed as a sustainable “green” building, it features recycled materials, an energy‑efficient air‑conditioning system, low‑power lighting, photovoltaic panels that target to achieve 32% annual energy savings, and rainwater harvesting facilities. The centre has earned a BEAM Plus Provisional Platinum rating from the Hong Kong Green Building Council for its eco‑friendly design.
A 1.9-kilometer irrigation channel improves drainage and reduces flood risk, with gabion units and reused rockfill supporting wildlife and minimizing material waste. Electric pump systems further cut noise and emissions, supporting local farmers while reducing carbon footprint.
Expanded wetlands now attract an even wider range of migratory and native birds — turning the park into a thriving bird paradise and living model of sustainable co‑existence.
See more: Explore the Long Valley Nature Park NbS case study to see how our nature-based solutions approach brings this landscape to life.