Hunting can only take place until 10am at the Majjistral Park, according to new site regulations that also restrict car access.

The regulations, which came into force last week through a legal notice, are the first to be specifically drafted for the Mellieħa national park.

Previously, hunters were allowed to use the park from sunrise to sunset during the hunting season. In spring, the hours were restricted. However, they will now have to leave the park by 10am to make way for school visits and tours.

They will now have to leave to make way for school visits and tours

While the park remains open to the public, vehicles will only be allowed in for legitimate users such as farmers and those granted permission to do so based on criteria set by the management board. These include research and studies, disabled people and educational events.

Vehicular access had to be controlled owing to widespread abuse such as dumping and tipping as well as off-roading on the protected garrigue, a spokesman for the park said.

“This exercise is a very important element in the enhanced management of a national park, setting out proper guidelines and procedures, following public consultation, for the enjoyment by the public while respecting the conservation status of the park, which incorporates part of the northwest coastal cliffs Natura 2000 site of international importance,” the spokesman said.

Park regulations can be viewed on www.majjistral.org. The management can be contacted at info@majjistral.org.