The majority of Hong Kong's vegetation is characterised by secondary forests that have emerged since the Second World War. Many of these areas were planted with non-native species, such as Taiwan Acacia and Slash Pine, as part of post-war rapid greening initiatives. As these trees have aged over the decades, they now present a valuable opportunity to enhance our local ecology by cultivating native species. Our routine tree management involves the pruning and removal of select trees. The timber harvested from these forests bears the unique imprint of our local environment, and rather than viewing this wood as waste, we are committed to its preservation. Through our Wood Recycling Programme, we process the substantial volume of wood generated from our daily operations, repurposing it as an agricultural resource. Larger timber sections are utilised as materials for on-site facilities and nature-based art, and they form the foundation of Growth Ring: Empowering Wood Upcycling through Training and Innovation.
Inspired by the classic text Zhuangzi, in which the master craftsman Qing must first “enter the mountain forest to observe the inherent nature” of the wood before creating his exquisite works, we aim to cultivate a new generation of artisans. This programme is designed for those with an interest in natural craftsmanship and seeks to promote the wisdom of “working in harmony with nature”. The curriculum begins with sessions led by experts from our Flora Conservation Department, providing participants with a deep understanding of various tree species and their properties. They will then trace the journey of the wood, from the living tree through the processes of felling and drying, to its transformation into usable timber. The woodworking part of the course is taught by experienced local craftsmen who offer instructions from foundational skills to advanced techniques in general woodworking, traditional furniture making, and wood carving. The latter two are recognised as Hong Kong's Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is our hope that through your hands, this programme will breathe new life into both our local timber and these treasured traditions.
Upon completion, a culminating exhibition will showcase the creativity and skill of the participants and their mentors. Graduates will then enter an apprenticeship at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), undertaking roles as teaching assistants and workshop assistants to gain practical experience. After completing the required teaching hours and demonstrating a high level of proficiency, apprentices will have the opportunity to become certified instructors, qualified to lead their own courses at KFBG. This completes a virtuous cycle rooted in our philosophy of “holistic education”. Our ultimate aim is to nurture not merely skilled artisans, but co-creators with a profound understanding of the natural world, a deep sense of stewardship for the land, and the ability to build a sustainable future with their own hands.
Timetable
February – August 2026 (Delivered over three terms, comprising a total of 40 sessions, each 3 hours in length)
Briefing Session | Date: 5 January 2026 (Mon) Time: 2:00 - 3:30pm (Will be held online concurrently) Venue: Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Garden Click HERE to enroll for the briefing session before 4 January 2026 |
Interview | Date: 23 & 27 January 2026 Time: Between 9:30 am - 4:45pm Venue: Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Garden |
Apprentice Training Course | February to August 2026 Click HERE for detailed course timetable and outline |
Programme Outcome Exhibition | October to December 2026 |
Apprentice Internship | September 2026 to March 2027 (30-hour internship) |
Language
Cantonese
Applicant Profile
We welcome applications from individuals aged 18 to 65 who are passionate about wood craftsmanship, nature conservation and education. This programme is particularly suitable for:
Retired or semi-retired individuals
Freelancers
Artists and creative professionals
Students or graduates of arts, design or vocational institutions
(Applicants who are fluent in Cantonese, and preferably proficient in Mandarin and English)
Capacity
8 - 12 participants
Fee
Free*
*Successful candidates who pass the interview are required to pay a deposit of $8,000, which will be refunded in full upon fulfilling the below requirements and commitments:
Maintain a minimum course attendance rate of 85%.
Successfully pass all programme assessments.
Commit to completing a 30-hour voluntary teaching assistant internship within a six-month period.
Application
Please CLICK HERE to submit your online application by 15 January 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will receive an interview invitation via email on or before 17 January 2026. If you do not receive an email by then, you may consider your application unsuccessful. No individual notifications will be sent to unsuccessful applicants, and their personal data will be destroyed after six months.
Notes
Please read carefully the course schedule and the terms and conditions provided in the online application form before applying.
Participants may be subject to immediate disqualification if their performance during the programme is deemed unsatisfactory.
The programme does not provide any form of allowance, stipend or insurance.
Please be reminded that participants with G6PD Deficiency need to state this clearly on the application form.
We encourage visitors to use public transport to reduce carbon footprint. Click HERE for details.
Enquiry
Contact Ms Michelle Tam at 2483 7228 during office hours or email michelle.tam@kfbg.org.
