Bank of Valletta staff and their families recently went on a guided walk of Foresta 2000 at Marfa Ridge in Mellieħa, hosted by Birdlife Malta’s reserves warden Ray Vella.

Mr Vella led the participants along trails through areas of steppe, garrigue and woodland maquis following pathways lined with the native Aleppo Pine (Żnuber), Holm Oak (Balluta) and Carob trees (Ħarrub), stopping to identify the various species of spring plants and flowers along the walk.

The highlight for the children were the rock pools, which have been recently restored as part of ongoing habitat management carried out at the site. The children were fascinated by the large number of Painted Frogs living at the water’s edge. This frog species is the only native amphibian of the Maltese islands and is found in only a handful of locations where there are suitable freshwater habitats.

Foresta 2000 is Malta’s biggest afforestation project which aims to restore the Mediterranean maquis habitat which has been lost to agriculture. Thousands of young trees and shrubs are planted every autumn and winter, many of which are sponsored. Despite the years of neglect and damage to the site, over 200 species of plants have been recorded at Foresta 2000 and more than 24,000 native young trees and shrubs now flourish on the site.

Spring is the best time of year to enjoy nature at Foresta 2000, and with an abundance of wildflowers, butterflies and views across Għadira Bay, it is the perfect setting to appreciate Maltese wildlife. Foresta 2000 is open all year round. Entrance is free.