BirdLife is opening its Simar and Għadira nature reserves to the public between tomorrow and next May. They will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

The two ecologically important salt marshes are managed as nature reserves by BirdLife and have been designated as internationally important Ramsar sites under the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance.

Both reserves have also been given the status of Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation under EU nature conservation directives.

The reserves are rich in endemic plants and insects and are the only places in the Maltese islands where Killifish breed.

Migratory birds like Herons and Egrets also find safety and shelter in the reserves with some species staying through winter; Common Kingfisher, Robin, Little Greeb and Greater Flamingo are species currently wintering in the reserves.

Apart from migrating and wintering birds, Għadira and Simar also have several breeding birds. For the first time ever, the Common Coot this year bred at the Simar reserve, where Little Greeb and Moorhen also breed.

To offer visitors a better chance of enjoying and appreciating the habitats and wildlife in the reserves, guided walks through the reserves will be held for visitors by reserve staff and volunteers every hour. Entrance to the reserves is free of charge and there is no need to book.