A wave of vandalism attacks have been occurring at the Wied Ghollieqa Nature Reserve in the last few days. This area, which is legally protected, is open for the public to enjoy all the time. In the recent wave of attacks vandals have stolen indigenous young trees and shrubs from the Wied Ghollieqa Nursery, stolen water tanks used to water young trees planted in the reserve, built a sort of tree house in one of the oldest carob trees using big nails to hammer into other wood in the tree and fixed tiles with cement under the tree.

Moreover wooden gates were stolen, wooden benches broken and two stone benches smashed.

Volunteers of Nature Trust (Malta), who manage this reserve, cleaned up the mess and removed all items stuck into the carob tree and under it, removed broken glass to prevent grass fires and replaced the essential missing water tanks.

The incident has been reported also to the Environment Protection Department within MEPA, University of Malta and the ALE Police.

NTM is appealing to anyone who may have noted anything to report to NTM on 21313150 and also appeals to all enjoying the sites it manages, to respect the environment and the conservation work carried out.

The NGO spends over €40,000 each year on the Wied Ghollieqa Nature Reserve to maintain and conserve it. NTM only gets €11,500 in support from the authorities with the rest being sought through donations. NTM also organises guided tours for interested groups to such sites.

The NGO is now trying to find financial support to employ a ranger to carry out patrols within the site to reduce vandalism. Last year all information and educational panels where either destroyed or stolen and restored rubble walls vandalised.

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