The first ever Nature Festival will take place at Is-Simar Reserve in Xemxija on Sunday to celebrate the start of the new winter/spring season.
From November to May, Is-Simar and Għadira Nature Reserves will be open to visitors every weekend.
Organised by conservation NGO Birdlife, Sunday’s event will start at 10am and finish at 4pm.
Every hour, guided nature walks will help people to learn about some of the abundant plants and wildlife found in the reserve’s different habitats.
Licensed ringers will demonstrate scientific bird ringing and explain how these studies help ornithologists and conservationists to understand more about bird migration and populations.
A special Nature Photography Workshop led by wildlife photographer Aron Tanti will take place between 3.30pm and 4pm. Some useful techniques for photographing different kinds of wildlife will be practised and participants will then spend part of the workshop taking their own photos in the reserve, which will be shared with the rest of the group back in the visitor centre.
There will also be children’s games, mural painting and craft activities taking place throughout the day. Refreshments will be provided by Xemxija Lounge café.
Nature Reserves manager Mark Gauci, said: “After the shocking events of the last week, we want as many people as possible to come to Simar this Sunday to see a positive side of wildlife and nature conservation in the islands.
“Is-Simar and Għadira offer brilliant, but all too rare, examples of just what can be achieved for wildlife when areas are protected, restored and managed properly.”
Booking is essential for this activity as places are limited.
Contact Birdlife Malta by phoning 2134 7644/6, e-mailing office@birdlifemalta.org, or sending a message through the Birdlife Malta Facebook page.