The Simar and Ghadira nature reserves will be open during weekends starting today until the end of May, BirdLife said yesterday.

The organisation has managed the two reserves - which are visited by thousands of school children, nature lovers and tourists annually - for the past 15 years.

The reserves host a rich habitat, including resident species like the Moorhen and the Cetti's Warbler, nature reserves supervisor Mark Gauci said.

They also support other wild life, including weasels, hedgehogs and reptiles and various fish species.

"Visitors can devote time looking out for birds using the reserve as a resting and feeding ground during their migration from Europe to Africa or as their winter quarters," Mr Gauci said.

The Ghadira Nature Reserve in Mellieha Bay will be open Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m., while Simar in Xemxija - which can be accessed through the road opposite Xemxija Bay - will be open only on Sundays from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.

There is no need to book visits, and entrance to both reserves is free of charge.