An important archaeological and ecologically sensitive area between Mosta and Naxxar has been scheduled by the planning authority, ensuring a high level of protection.

The tract of land, known as Tal-Wej, provides a largely pristine setting for a good number of archaeological and historical features, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) said in a statement.

The features on the land include dolmens, cart-ruts, ancient quarries, shaft and chamber tombs, vine trenches, a 16th century chapel and two corbelled huts.

The Tal-Wej area is also being protected for its natural heritage as it is characterised by karstland and dominated by a mixture of rocky steppe and, to a lesser extent, by garigue communities. One of the main characteristics is the number of temporary freshwater rock pools which are an EU priority habitat type.

The various features are also being given individual protection and scheduled too, the planning authority said.