Girgenti caves

We fully concur with the concerns of Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech (Keep Girgenti Caves Clean (May 30). The Ghar il-Kbir settlement and the surrounding area rich in cart ruts and Punic tombs are scheduled as Areas of Archaeological Importance and are also rich in garigue species such as orchids and aromatic shrubs. While guiding nature walks in the area I have often noticed several impacts including repeated fires lit up in the caves as well as the omnipresent litter. Just the other day one could notice the pungent smell of a fresh fire with the whole ground of one of the caves having been burnt.

Earlier this year it was dismaying to see that striking old curtain-like caper shrubs, which created a beautiful effect, were cut down as well (see the photo of how the caves looked before by Kathrin Leiendecker).

For more info on nature walks contact Nature Trust (Malta) on 2131 3150 or on ntsec@waldonet.net.mt