Forest Village Q&A: The Role of Volunteers in Revitalising Rural Communities

Forest Village operates through collaboration and participation, bringing together diverse stakeholders — villagers, NGOs, scientists, architects, artists, and interested members of the public. Through a range of conservation activities, participants develop knowledge, skills, and a sense of responsibility, eventually becoming guardians of the Forest Village. The following excerpts come from a Q&A with the project team, offering insights into their community-building experience:

Q: Forest Village has been running for many years. It’s remarkable that the project has attracted a group of highly dedicated volunteers who remain involved year after year. From our understanding, volunteers are central to countryside revitalisation in Mui Tsz Lam. What role do you think volunteers play in the Forest Village project? As outsiders, what part do they play in countryside revitalisation?

A: We’ve been very fortunate. Given that the project is based in places like Mui Tsz Lam and Kop Tong — remote, mid-slope villages with difficult access — it’s hard to sustain participation without genuine affection for the place. So, being able to find committed volunteers has truly been a matter of luck.

Of course, we make sure to treat our volunteers well and explore the village together. There’s a reason we recruit volunteers: resources are limited. Our funding is enough to hire craftsmen and purchase tools, but not enough to hire additional labour. So the project relies heavily on volunteers. Their role is to help us advance the project — they were involved from the very early stages, from digging and clearing weeds onwards. Their level of participation has grown over time. We plant coffee trees together; during festivals the village representative organises activities for everyone; and we run village-related programmes such as butterfly baseline surveys, plant baseline surveys and data collection. These varied activities attract different volunteers and sustain their long-term involvement.

Q: Even the most passionate person can get tired. Yet some Forest Village volunteers have kept coming back for years. How do you maintain their sense of connection and enthusiasm? What do you mean by “treating them well”?

A: It’s not just because of us. Of course, our team invests a lot of effort in building relationships, trust and mutual support with volunteers — that’s very important. But it’s also because the villagers are very friendly to them. People see Mui Tsz Lam as a platform where they can contribute their strengths and also a place they can enjoy. I think there are many factors that keep volunteers coming back.

A: We also design many fun and educational activities for volunteers — workshops that cover everything from astronomy and geography to culture — so they always feel they’re learning something new. Our staff join in as well, and we genuinely enjoy the process.

A: We understand that these volunteers are our most essential supporters. Without them, much of what we do would simply be impossible. The location of Mui Tsz Lam itself makes people wonder: “Why would anyone come all the way out here?”

A: Its location is indeed unique. But if you approach the work with a service mindset, going into the village every week or two is a huge commitment. Those of us working in Forest Village know how much these volunteers deserve our respect. That’s why we hope everyone can continue to enjoy the place and grow the Forest Village together.

Q: I feel the same way. Are there any memorable stories between you and the volunteers?

A: The volunteers are incredibly curious. They explore subtle details based on their own life experiences. Their knowledge is rich — almost encyclopaedic. Every time I visit Mui Tsz Lam with them, it feels like attending a nature ecology lesson.

 I may only remember one or two things each time, but their willingness to share, their knowledge, and their love for nature are truly admirable.

A: This group of volunteers is genuinely like-minded. They all have a basic understanding of ecology and a passion for nature, so they naturally enjoy each other’s company. During every activity they share insights, learn something new, and want to return. Their cohesion becomes a kind of strength that supports us in maintaining this shared space where we can continue working together.

A: And they’re all wonderful people — they never judge if you don’t know something or aren’t interested; they simply skip the explanation. They’re always happy to share. Beyond Mui Tsz Lam, they love exploring other places too. They invite us: “We’re going night hiking today — want to join?” We’ve almost become friends.