The Simar Nature Reserve is a hidden natural gem. Not many people know about it which is a pity as it could make for a relaxing Sunday outing.

Simar is one of a small number of wetland areas left in the Maltese islands.

It is a habitat for several species of rare aquatic plants and animals such as the killifish (bużaqq) which is now found only in a handful of localities.

The nature reserve was created in 1992 by Birdlife Malta in an abandoned area close to Xemxija Bay. The site was originally a marshland but farmers dug a canal to drain the water so as to be able to use the land for agriculture. After they drained the water, they realised that the land was not suitable for agriculture and abandoned the project, leaving it open to all sorts of abuse and degradation.

A moorhen and (bottom) a coot spotted by Aron Tanti at the reserve.

The work to create the nature reserve had to take place during the summer months when the underground water level was at a minimum. Truckloads of soil and other material which had been deposited in the area by rainwater were removed. The excavation work exposed groundwater and was carried out in such a way that several small islands were formed to create new habitats for plants and animals.

Visitors can now walk along a path that leads to three bird-watching hides from where they can observe several species of birds such as coots, moorhens, grebes and ducks.

During both spring and autumn, the reserve provides a safe refuge for a large number of migratory birds, especially aquatic species such as herons and wading birds. There are now six new species of birds breeding in the reserve.

It is well worth visiting the reserve which is open on Sundays from 10am to 6pm. Entrance to the reserve is through Triq il-Pwales.

portelli.paul@gmail.com

The Simar hide. Photo: Birdlife Malta