31. Is-Simar

Is-Simar is an area in Xemxija Bay. Just 17 years ago it was a dump site and sewage trap. Today it's a Nature Reserve, a Bird Sanctuary, a Special Protection Area etc. What happened? In 1992, BirdLife moved in with plans to restore the site for birds, for nature and for people. The place was cleaned, the sewage problem solved, and wetland habitat created (lake, canals etc) and planted with native vegetation, as nature itself developed a lush reedbed, and a nature trail and observation hides put in. Birds started moving in and from just 2-3 species, the bird breeding list went up to 10 species, plus over 100 more species visiting every year. Is-Simar is another BirdLife dreams come true. It's open to the public Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. Entrance free.

Text by Victor Falzon, photo by Mark Gauci. Copyright to Birdlife Malta.