The gate limiting vehicular access to Majjistral Park has been forcefully removed and disposed of in an unknown location and more vandalism was carried out on the interpretation panels around the park.

In a statement, the park’s management board denounced the vandalism.

It said the park is working to control access to limit damage of the already heavily eroded soils and trampled garigue habitats and to curb illegal off-roading and dumping while making it a safer place for visitors.

The management said that various fires of unknown origin spread throughout the park at ix-Xagħra l-Ħamra last Sunday night and were controlled by the Civil Protection Department, who were alerted by a local farmer who happened to be passing by.

Earlier fires were also noticed in at least two patches of freshly burnt land at Wied Żnuber and Rdum Majjiesa.

The park management appealed to the public to contact the police and the park management to report any illegal or suspicious activities.

The Majjistral Nature and History Park, Malta’s only national natural park, occupies a vast stretch of land in Mellieħa from Golden Bay to Anchor Bay and is a place of active relaxation for many.

It also serves as an outdoor classroom for hundreds of students each year, as farmland for many farmers and as precious habitat for a wide range of biodiversity.

The park regularly organises activities for students and the public.