I have been championing the afforestation of open spaces in Malta ever since the first hints of tree planting took off. What's left of these green spaces for the inhabitants and visitors to these islands I regard as sacred ground. And as such they should be jealously guarded and ensured for future generations.

So the "hint" of the proposed new road for Għadira came to me like a bolt out of the blue. If there is one thing on which all the population is of one opinion, surely it is the encouragement of creating these tiny oases of concrete-free areas.

Why are the Maltese flocking in their thousands to our beloved sister island, Gozo, for their breaks? Simply because - as yet - there is so much more greenery and open spaces on lovely Gozo. However, this proposed new road has been like a slap in the face for me. Some two years ago my family decided to plant some trees at Foresta 2000 in memory of our late dear parents, John and Maria and that of our in-laws Philip and Emanuela. We had planted some €116 (Lm50) worth of oak saplings in the form of a circle, as we had envisaged that when grown they would present a small arbour in honour of our departed ones, to be eventually enjoyed by the younger generation of our families.

Now to my dismay, I hear that the lovely project which took off very nicely when it was started, is perhaps about to have a hiccup! When I read that "only one row of trees will be removed" I start wondering whether this one row will eventually have to meet the "exigencies of the road builder" and extend into the width of the road! Will this row (road?) cut through the Foresta and split it into two? And what if this scar happens to be the spot where we so lovingly dug up and planted the trees we paid for; what will happen to our trees? After two years they have already sprouted new shoots and are taking shape. So I will not be content with being given replacements. Those trees have taken root and have become special to us as a family.

Each time a new tree is planted whether it is in this area, or any other area earmarked for afforestation, we are planting a living creation that is pleasing to the eye now and for generations to come, but most of all helping to balance our eco system. Any patch of green and afforestation is indeed sacred ground on this precious tiny rock. We cannot afford to tamper with it.