Degraded land forming part of Wied Ghollieqa, which is close to the Mater Dei Mortuary, has been restored and converted into a Mediterranean woodland by Nature Trust, Go and Mater Dei Hospital.

The woodland, inaugurated this morning by Health Minister Joe Cassar, aims to create a quiet, educational area in the grounds surrounding the hospital.

While Nature Trust planned the restoration of the site in a way that would complement the rest of the valley, a protected site it managed, GO sponsored the trees and shrubs, and Mater Dei staff planted and took care of them.

The Parks Department helped out with the restoration of the low rubble walls. A total of 2,000 indigenous trees and shrubs were planted over the last two years.

Students from St Francis School and St Joseph, Blata l-Bajda participating in the EkoSkola project will be donating stickers that will be placed in different areas of the hospital.

The stickers form part of a campaign reminding people to switch off the lights when they leave a room so as to save energy

EkoSkola is an international programme run in Malta by Nature Trust. This year, particular focus is being placed on the link between a healthy environment and healthy lifestyles.