Nature Trust (Malta) has urged the authorities to ensure that permits are sought in line with the Tree and Woodland Protection Regulations before removing branches from olive trees to be used for Good Friday processions and Passion plays.

The olive tree is a native of the Maltese Islands and is an integral part of the country's environment, history and culture and therefore it is unacceptable that this tree is exploited in the name of tradition, Nature Trust said.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.