Vandals target Wied Għollieqa reserve

Wied Għollieqa Nature Reserve was vandalised and looted in the last few days, according to Nature Trust.

Indigenous young trees and shrubs were stolen from the Msida nursery, as well as tanks used to water young trees planted in the reserve.

A structure, similar to a tree house, was built into one of the oldest carob trees, using big nails to hammer the wood while tiles were cemented under the tree.

Wooden gates were stolen, benches broken and two stone benches smashed.

Volunteers of Nature Trust (NTM), who manage the reserve, cleared up the mess and removed all items stuck into the carob tree, removed broken glass to prevent grass fires and replaced the missing water tanks.

The area, which is legally protected, is open for the public all the time.

The incident was reported to the Mepa Environment Protection Department and the police.

Anyone wishing to divulge information on the vandalism can call 2131 3150.

The NGO spends over €40,000 each year on the nature reserve to maintain and conserve it. NTM said it only received €11,500 in support from the authorities with the rest being sought through donations.

Nature Trust said it wanted to employ a ranger to carry out patrols within the site to reduce vandalism. Last year, all information and educational panels were either destroyed or stolen and restored rubble walls were vandalised.