Removal of trees in valley

The Times of August 16 featured Wied Żembaq, limits of Birżeb­buġa, wherein grows the wild pear tree. Its distribution is restricted both in Malta and in the Mediterranean. Moreover, numerous large carob trees contribute to a beautiful natural...

The Times of August 16 featured Wied Żembaq, limits of Birżeb­buġa, wherein grows the wild pear tree.

Its distribution is restricted both in Malta and in the Mediterranean. Moreover, numerous large carob trees contribute to a beautiful natural environment and this was officially recognised when in 2011 the area was declared a protected nature reserve.

The status of this site was further strengthened when the Malta Environment and Planning Authority declared this site a protected area in terms of this year’s protection regulations. Alas, what we are witnessing is that the brush and shrubs and possibly saplings which are a few metres away from these trees are being removed to make way for fast-growing trees for the sole purpose of attracting game birds.

It is a sad day indeed when our children shall only see these trees (and a host of other numerous natural, bird and animal species) in books.

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