Students studying Environmental Conservation and Sustainability at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, together with lecturer Eman Calleja spent half a day doing conservation work at Wied Għollieqa Nature Reserve, managed by Nature Trust (Malta).
The students removed almost a tumolo of land from the Castor Oil tree and other invasive alien species in the valley bed. Seeds of these species are carried every year into the site by rain water currents coming from San Ġwann Industrial Estate and Mater Dei Hospital.
The students, who were also joined by site manager Louise Bajjada, also removed litter brought into the site by rain water and by people visiting the site.
The nature reserve has been declared a Natura 2000 site of national importance. The valley, which lies between Kappara and the University, is adorned with a large number of fauna and avi fauna.
Nature Trust (Malta) appeals to the public who may note vandalism in the area to report this either to the Police or Nature Trust (Malta) on 2131 3150 or by e-mail info@naturetrustmalta.org.