A group of 12 young people this morning got their hands muddy for nature conservation, experiencing life as a warden at BirdLife Malta’s Għadira Nature Reserve.

Working alongside expert wardens, the group planted seedlings, took note of the various species on site, and watched birds close up during a scientific bird ringing demonstration.

Education Manager Hannah Chisholm said hands-on experience was the best way to learn. By getting out in nature and doing something practical to look after it, these young people would make a direct link between their actions and the effect on the countryside.

As the Education Partner for the Dinja Waħda Programme, Bank of Valletta’s Sports and Social Club supported the activity, and a group of BOV employees’ children were among the wardens for the day. 

Declared a bird sanctuary in 1978, Għadira Nature Reserve is a few hundred metres from Mellieha beach. This reserve is a refugee for migrating birds, which allowed the children the opportunity to see two flamingos and many other small wading birds. They also spotted a couple of shy chameleons as they blended subtly with their surroundings.

Assistant reserves warden Tom Hendry hoped that through more days like this young people would be inspired to grow up wanting to protect nature.

Għadira and Is-Simar nature reserve would be open to the public on weekends from November 1.

A special re-opening event including Trevor Zahra book readings, activity stalls, and nature trail exploration is being held on October 26 at Is-Simar Reserve in Xemxija.

Book at events@birdlifemalta.org or on 2134 7646.