How many times in the last month have you taken the time to:
touch the soil,
plant a seed,
cultivate human connection?
What kind of soil is most vibrant?
Do seeds also carry genetic codes?
How can we ingest seeds in the most nutritious way?
How to engage in artistic creation with seed and soil?
We invite you to take part in this three-week learning journey to experience an ecological worldview by engaging with these two elements that are fundamental to all life on the planet and yet easy to find in a city setting: soil and seed. At a time when modernity pressures us into busy lifestyles, such acts of connection have the power to rekindle the feeling of being part of a wider community of beings – humans and other-than-humans.
Through a journey that combines our holistic education philosophy of 3H ‘head, heart and hands’, you will gain inspiration and ecological knowledge (head) from our KFBG’s experts, experience hands-on activities by using all senses (hands), and cultivate deep connections as we develop a learning community (heart).
In this programme, we introduce you to our dedicated ecologists and agriculture officers who will guide you through the wonders of soil and seed, understand natural cycles and observe how humans and nature can work together.
Flora Conservation
The Flora Conservation Department works closely with soil and seeds for native forest restoration. Efforts include enhancing soil quality through biochar and compost applications to assist in the germination of forest plants, collecting native seeds from wild plants across Hong Kong and nurturing them in the seed nursery to achieve a breadth of genetic diversity. Through these ongoing conservation efforts, we are working towards a resilient future for the ecosystem.
Regenerative Agriculture
KFBG’s regenerative agricultural practices demonstrate how humans can work with soil and seed while fostering a sustainable relationship with nature. We nurture the soil by implementing sustainable farming techniques such as seasonal planting, organic fertilizers and composting methods, enriching the vibrant life within the soil. We also preserve the natural native seeds to ensure the continuity for future generations and human well-being.
In addition to gaining knowledge, we will explore hands-on experiences such as the practical ways to nurture the soil, prepare simple yet nutritionally rich seed recipes and engage in artistic creation with nature.
Participants will also visit a local project and learn from community members about their stories with soil and seeds. Together, we share our experiences and insights, cultivating a supportive learning community.
Seed, Soil & Community Three-Week Programme
Two options for you to participate in the programme:
Option 1: Join the whole programme for a comprehensive experience
Option 2: Join individual week separately
Week 1 - Philosophy and Hands-on Agriculture
Date & Time: 6 September 2025 (Sat), 10:00 - 17:30
Location: KFBG at Tai Po
Content:
- Learn from KFBG’s Ecologist and Agriculture expert about what soil is, types of soil and how to nourish soil including different composting methods.
- Hands-on activities engaging all your senses to reconnect with soil.
Week 2 - Biodiversity and Eco-creative Day
Date & Time: 13 September 2025 (Sat), 10:00 - 17:30
Location: KFBG at Tai Po & local community at Sheung Shui
Content:
- Learn from KFBG’s Ecologist to observe different native seeds, how to collect native seeds from wild plants across Hong Kong and their effort in forest restoration to achieve a breadth of genetic diversity.
- Visit a local community to discover their stories with soil and seed, engage in self-reflection and create artwork in nature.
Week 3 - Learning as a Community
*Only those joining week 1 and/or week 2 can apply for this activity.
Date & Time: 20 September 2025 (Sat), 14:00 - 18:00
Location: KFBG at Tai Po
Content:
- Harvesting and Seed-to-Table cooking together to prepare nutritious refreshments.
- Co-learning session to reflect on our own and others' experiences from the previous weeks.
Fee:
Option 1: Join the whole programme HK$980
Option 2: Join individual week separately
Week 1 : HK$420, lunch included
Week 2 : HK$420, lunch included
Week 3 : HK$180, refreshment included
Language: Onsite activities are conducted in Cantonese, with some material in English
Target Audience: Aged 18 or above, nature and sustainable living lovers, educators, and anyone interested on this topic
No. of Participants: 20
Application: Click Here
Notes
- Please submit your online application form on or before 31 August (Sunday).
- Spots for each session are limited. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Payment is not refundable after acceptance, unless the programme is cancelled by KFBG due to inclement weather or other unexpected reasons.
Terms & Conditions
Upon submission of your application and payment, you are deemed to have accepted all Terms and Regulations of this retreat, and the guidelines below:
KFBG Visitor Guidelines
In case of any dispute, the organiser has the right to the final decision.
Enquiry
Please email Ms Jamie Ngai (Education Department) at jamie.ngai@kfbg.org
Kadoorie Earth Programme (KEP) is co-created by KFBG and its network of collaborators and volunteers. By integrating the various strands of KFBG’s nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education programmes, it provides life-transforming learning experiences that reconnect people with themselves, each other and the rest of nature and enable them to cultivate resilience in the face of climate crisis, economic uncertainty and other related challenges.