Foresta 2000 rehabilitation work completed

Foresta 2000 is an area of natural habitat which has been restored as a Mediterranean woodland. Overlooking Għadira Bay, the site stretches almost coast to coast offering not only diverse wildlife, but also fantastic views across the valley. The woodland is a mosaic comprised of steppe, woodland, garigue and maquis habitat which provide shelter for birds, insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. This beautifully rich ecosystem has lots to offer visitors looking to immerse themselves into typically Mediterranean nature.

The organizations managing Foresta 2000

Din l-Art Ħelwa promotes the preservation and protection of historic buildings and monuments, the character of our towns and villages, and places of natural beauty and importance and the flora and fauna of such places, especially in relation to the problems arising from modern urban development. It stimulates the enforcement of existing laws and the enactment of new ones for the protection of our natural and built heritage.

BirdLife Malta wishes that our islands have a healthy, natural environment with rich biodiversity and thriving ecosystems. BirdLife Malta wants local people to be knowledgeable and aware of the value and importance of our natural environment and strive to protect it.

Foresta 2000 is a site regularly used by the public for leisure activities in a tranquil natural environment. It is also a popular venue as an educational visit by various students and groups during the scholastic year.

After yet another vandal attack on Foresta 2000 in which a number of mature olive trees, 36 precisely, were sawn to the ground The Alfred Mizzi Foundation pledged its financial support to improve Foresta 2000.

As a result of the financial support kindly offered by The Alfred Mizzi Foundation the following work was completed which enhanced Foresta 2000.

Outdoor furniture

The €500 for the completion of outdoor furniture was used to create a number of wooden benches inside the Foresta 2000 site. These simple benches, aimed at blending in with the environment, are used mainly by schoolchildren who carry out fieldwork. The teachers gather the students in these peaceful and shady areas where they can take time-out with a difference. Visitors trekking through the site also appreciate these shady areas in which one can sit and enjoy the tranquillity of the site and the songs of the birds.

Wooden stakes were used to set up a railing along part of the trail in Foresta 2000. Part of the trail is in fact composed of wooden steps set up in the clay slope and gives visitors access from the lower fields to the Red Tower area. Budgeted at €700, the stakes were first treated to ensure they last longer and then fixed on site by using a rented out clay borer (budget of €250 used to purchase cordless drill for fixing railing and renting of borer). The result clearly shows the improvement to the site, making it easier and safer for visitors to enjoy.

Educational Signage x 3

An important aspect of Foresta 2000 is education which is why €1,050 was earmarked for the setting up of educational signs along the nature trail. Given the financial assistance of The Alfred Mizzi Foundation, these boards also carry its logo and acknowledgement (bottom right corner).

All three boards feature a brief introduction to the site and a map of the site which includes the trail that helps visitors orientate themselves. The boards also carry colourful pictures of flora and fauna found on site.

View Point signage

The last item budgeted for in this project was the creation of a viewpoint sign which was affixed close to the Red Tower from where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Ghadira Nature Reserve, Ghadira Bay and all of Mellieha.

The sum of €1,200 was ear- marked for this work. Part of the sum was used to order a custom made galvanised iron stand which was set up with a marine plywood top on which the board was eventually affixed. The iron stand was safely cemented to the ground in spring 2018.

Feedback received following the upgrades where extremely positive with visitors encountered on site lauding the upgrade works.

The work carried out was also given prominence in BirdLife Malta’s social media and printed material with The Alfred Mizzi Foundation given due acknowledgement for making these upgrades possible.