These coastal cliffs span from Wied ix-Xaqqa (l/o Birżebbuġa) to the Northern cliffs of Ċirkewwa and Qammieħ (Mellieħa). The site is characterised by a series of Mediterranean dry valley systems, known as widien, with a seasonal watercourse which dries up completely in the hot/dry season. This is influenced by the saline conditions of the area.

A number of agricultural valleys along these cliffs include Wied Hażrun, Wied ir-Rum, Wied Markozz and Wied ta’ l-Imtaħleb. A considerable part of the coastal cliffs is typified by coastal clay slopes. The cliffs are also home to a rare specie called Fagonia found particularly in the Għajn Tuffieħa/Fomm ir-Riħ area and other rare plants such as the hispanic sedge which is mostly found in the area of Għajn it-Tajba in Rabat. Other species native of the Maltese islands such as the African tamarisk are also found on these slopes. These slopes also offer habitat to different species of beetles. 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.

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