Natural history courses resume

Nature Trust (Malta) resumed its popular natural history courses last month by organising a short course, comprising four lectures and two site visits on aspects of the islands' local natural environment.

The lectures were held at the trust's premises in Wied Għollieqa, a protected valley ecosystem close to University of Malta that is managed by the same NGO. The two field trips were held at Buskett and Wied Magħlaq near Għar Lapsi to visit areas that clearly show the island's geological setting and local floral and faunal communities.

Course co-ordinator Alan Deidun delivered lectures on the Mediterranean biome and climate, the coastal environment, climate change and conservation science. Other course lectures were delivered by botanist Edwin Lanfranco and Arnold Sciberras, while fieldtrips were led by Annalise Falzon, a qualified local ecoguide.

The course was open to laymen and professionals alike and the participants required no academic prerequisites. An attendance certificate and synoptic course notes were presented at the end of the course.

A second run of the same popular introductory course is planned for spring 2009. For further information prospective participants are encouraged to contact to Dr Deidun via e-mail alan.deidun@gmail.com or tel.7960 4109.