Il-Ballut tal-Wardija(l/o St Paul’sBay)

This Natura 2000 site is dominated by a forest remnant of holm oak trees, which in our native language is known as il-balluta, from which the place derives its name.

The area has also been a tree reserve since 2001, and hosts one of the four remaining oak forest remnants in the Maltese islands.

Il-Ballut tal-Wardija supports one of the oldest populations of trees, with the oldest holm oak trees, estimated to be between 700-1000 years old.

These oak trees cover eight per cent of the area and in 1933 were declared as national monuments.

This small woodland which is self-regenerating embraces other species such as the Aleppo pine, what we refer to in Maltese as iż-Żnuber.

Il-Ballut tal-Wardija also enjoys a flowing supply of freshwater coming from permanent springs in the Għajn Astas Area, especially the Għajn Ballut spring.

This Natura 2000 site will be subject to the preparation of a management plan and/or legislation in the near future, as part of an EU-funded project that Mepa is undertaking for the management planning all the terrestrial Natura 2000 sites of the Maltese islands.