Today BirdLife Malta and Merlin Publishers hosted a special event at Is-Simar Nature Reserve to mark both the re-opening of the nature reserves for the winter season, and the launch of a new children’s book, ‘Merhba fir-rifugju ta’ kobikisa!’adapted into Maltese by Loranne Vella.

Throughout the morning children attending the event took part in a unique activity within the nature reserve which included book readings from special guest Trevor Zahra, nature detective activities, and book readings from Merlin Publishers’ new release.Both Trevor Zahra’s book ‘Il Boghod mill-Habs’ and Loranne Vella’s adaptation of ‘Merhba fir-rifugju ta’ kobikisa!’ are ecologically-themed and were very well suited for being read outdoors, to encourage the children to both read and to learn about the nature world. BirdLife Malta’s Education Manager, Hannah Chisholm said, “we’re very pleased to be partnering with Merlin Publishers for this event, by bringing these book readings to our nature reserve we are allowing this to be a multi-sensory activity, providing children with the unique opportunity to incorporate the sights and sounds of the outside world into their reading encounters.”

Children who were inspired to continue reading were able to purchase the books from Merlin Publishers on the day and even get their books signed by Trevor Zahra.

Daniela Gouder from Merlin Publishers spoke out about the importance of getting young children engaged in reading saying, “Merlin Publishers is committed to help children discover the pleasure of reading by making available books with a variety of themes that were not present before in the Maltese language. This activity assisted us in presenting one such theme, that of nature and its preservation through ‘Il-Boghod mill-Habs’ and ‘Merhba fir-Refugju ta’ Kobikisa.”

In addition to exploring the nature reserve, families also enjoyed outdoor activities including creating nature art, and fun games with educational messages.

Ms Chisholm continued, “providing opportunities for families to get outdoors and to explore nature on their doorstep is really important for BirdLife Malta, the nature reserves are now open every weekend until May and we hope to see lots of people coming back to enjoy them.”

This event was also supported by BirdLife Malta’s Education Partner, Bank of Valletta, with a number of BOV employees bringing their families along to take part in the activities. BOV also donated bookmarks to the event, with each child taking part receiving one to take home.

BirdLife Malta’s Nature Reserves they will be open every weekend for visitors from November until May. Is-Simar Nature Reserve in Xemxija is open on Sunday’s 10am-4pm, and Ghadira Nature Reserve in Mellieha is open on Saturday’s and Sunday’s 10am-4pm.

Photos: Children listen to a reading of Merlin’s new book. Photo by Ella Beeson – Trevor Zahra reading his book. Photo by Mark Gauci – Children learn about the feeding habits of birds. Photo by Holly Forsyth

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