Rambler asks parliament to protect the people's rights

'Keep out' is one of the more common signs people on walks in the countryside often come across, weathered rambler Lino Bugeja complained in an interview.

While the countryside is being eroded with the building of new structures, legal or otherwise, more and more tracts of land are becoming inaccessible for country walks.

"The so called 'common space' is forever being taken away from the enjoyment of the people.

"While Malta is straining to promote country walks for visitors, particularly in the leaner and cooler months, more and more land is being marked riservato (reserved) 'keep out' or tidholx as well as the more astounding: tista' tara n-natura mill-boghod translated freely as 'you can enjoy nature from a distance'," Mr Bugeja said.

Expounding his case, Mr Bugeja said parliament should ensure the speedy return of government land that had been taken by third parties to its rightful owners, namely the people.

"In late mediaeval times, although poor and mostly illiterate, the Maltese were extremely conscious of their right to the use of land forming part of the common wealth of the country.

"They were continually on their guard not to lose this privilege of access to anyone. When in 1492, many public ways were illegally privatised, strong representations were promptly made after it became 'impossible to go about the island'," Mr Bugeja said.

Along the length and breadth of the Maltese islands, from Delimara Point to Ras il-Wardija and from Ghallis to Ras ir-Raheb, footpaths and alleyways, including historical sites, have been taken over by third parties, depriving others of the benefits of outdoor pursuits. Mr Bugeja felt aggrieved at the innumerable crude signs, among them 'private property'; 'danger' and 'beware of dogs', meant to deter hikers.

To add insult to injury, there were also myriad other forms of obstruction, such as oil drums, wire and concrete bollards.

The Ramblers Association of Great Britain and the Wilderness Society of the US encourage walking as a pleasant way of promoting physical well-being.

In Malta's case, walking enables one to explore the vast array of historical treasures along remote pathways including sundials, votive offerings, notarial deeds cut in granite slabs, rock tombs and catacombs.

"Unlike hikers abroad, the Maltese hardened breed has no association to lobby on its behalf for the preservation of open spaces against encroachment by unauthorised persons."

Mr Bugeja remarked that the idyllic valley of ta' l-Isqof, limits of Rabat, has been subjected to so many mutilations that its allure has been spoiled.

"A public path leading to Mgarrfa has been barred and anyone who dares to use it is threatened with shotguns and ferocious dogs.

"Regrettably, it is dynamite for any politician to articulate the frustrations of nature lovers. Established politicians who carry a lot of clout ought to become the standard bearers of a campaign to give hikers a better deal," Mr Bugeja appealed.