The aim of this project is to raise awareness of the Wied il-Ghasel Valley system, its geography and geomorphology, ecology and history. The project was carried out by a group of Form 4 students during extra-curricular lessons, under the guidance of Mr Dalli, Ms Ciangura and Mr S. Vella.
The project is intended to be a tool for teachers and to provide useful information for Maltese students doing their Secondary School exams and Geography and Environmental Studies MATSEC exams. Furthermore, it will interest the Mosta community and Maltese public in general.
The exhibition brought to a partial conclusion a year’s work that included activities, fieldwork, group work, and lectures given by professionals. The overall work will also be presented as a documentary on DVD. All the students of the school visited the exhibition and many schools were invited, whose pupils took great interest in the work presented.
The exhibition was divided into three sections, namely Geography, Ecology and History. The Geography section described the geology and geomorphology of the valley; mainly that the Wied il-Ghasel Valley system is the longest valley in Malta (20km); it starts in Dingli/Bahrija and ends in Burmarrad (Salina Bay). It was eroded during the Ice Age, when the climate of Malta was much wetter. This river erosion formed today’s V-shaped valley. A system of faults also helped this valley to form.
Historical events include the building, location and related legends (ta’ l-Isperanza, ta’ San Pawl l-Eremita) of all the chapels in this area, the fortifications, which include Fort Mosta, the Victoria lines and Pillboxes. The models illustrated the bridges, chapels, Fort Mosta and Victoria Lines together with a typical uniform worn by a Maltese soldier during the Victorian era.
The Ecology consisted of the typical flora and fauna that are endemic to Wied il-Ghasel valley system. Endemic species are the plants and animals found only in the area under study. Furthermore, a comparison was made between these endemic species and alien species. Alien species – plants and animals that were introduced by man to the valley now compete with the local species both for territory and for other natural resources such as water and soil. Other important aspects regarding the state of this valley was also tackled. These included several human impacts such as quarrying activities, dumping of rubble and domestic material, agricultural practices and problems with extensive use of fertilizers, as well as problems related to off-roading and trampling on vegetation by motorcyclists, hikers and campers.
All the information and pictures can be seen by
visiting http: //schoolnet. gov.mt/wiedilghasel