Protecting the Natural Heritage in the Maltese islands (36)

Apart from its renowned coastal scenery, the natural heritage at Dwejra extends further inland incorporating an intricate network of valleys.

The most spectacular in terms of geomorphology is Wied il-Kbir, owing to its deeply incised formation. It contrasts with one of its flatter tributaries known as: Wied Lima along its mid-section and Wied il-Mans along the upper reaches, adding exceptional rural character to this area. The other tributary further north of Għajn Abdul promontory is known as Wied tal-Marġa and Wied Ġuno which meet Wied Pisklu, the eastern part of Wied il-Kbir. This meandering network spans a combined distance of circa four kilometres and drains into the inland sea.

During the rainy season the valley bed of Wied il-Kbir/Wied Pisklu retains water in small isolated natural depressions rather than along its entire length. The valley sides are characterised by rupestral garigue dominated by Tree Spurge formations. The lower reaches are subject to maritime influence as evidenced by the presence of halophytic species such as the golden samphire.

Mepa scheduled the entire valley systems of Dwejra as an Area of Ecological Importance and Area of High Landscape Value, published via Government Notice No. 37 of 2011, dated January 18.