€323,000 investment for restoration of Vaulted Grotto in Buskett

Ambjent Malta (AM) will be conducting interventions to restore the landmark structure of the Vaulted Grotto in Buskett, Aaron Farrugia, Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning said.

This landmark, left by the grandmasters of the Order of St John, has regretfully undergone structural damages. For this reason, AM will be investing €323,000 to restore it, he said.

This intervention is expected to be conducted by early next year.

The minister explained that the objective of the intervention is to consolidate and preserve the structure while repairing any damage sustained throughout the years. He said that the importance of regeneration and restoration projects, particularly within our natural areas, is essential in order to preserve and protect our environmental heritage, for current and future generations.

The elements of the Grotto will be mapped electronically to retain the structure’s feature elements. The pivotal aspects of the consolidation include the exposure of the vault right above the grotto and measures to avoid further deterioration of the vault and structural pinning of vertical elements to enhance the structure’s stability. Ancillary works include restoration of masonry fabric and the grotto fountain restoration works.

Buskett has Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) status, popular with both Maltese and foreigners, recording a high footfall, particularly in winter.

Buskett, and the area around it, are also important as a concentration point for birds of prey, many of which are of international importance. This has allowed the area to receive designation both as a SAC and an SPA. The area also hosts a cave, l-Għar tal-Inkwiżitur. Sixty-one per cent of the SAC or 149 Ha consists of agricultural land, most of which is irrigated.