There has been a wave of vandalism at the legally protected Wied Ghollieqa Nature Reserve over the past few days, said Nature Trust Malta (NTM) in a statement yesterday.

Vandals have stolen young indigenous trees and shrubs from the Wied Ghollieqa nursery, have stolen water tanks, built a sort of tree house in one of the oldest carob trees – using large nails to hammer wood into the tree and sticking tiles under the tree with cement. In addition, wooden gates have been stolen, wooden benches broken and two stone benches smashed.

NTM volunteers who manage the reserve cleaned up the mess in the part that is open for the public to enjoy around the clock. All the things that had been stuck into the carob tree and underneath it have been removed, along with pieces of broken glass that could have caused grass fires, and the essential stolen water tanks have been replaced.

The incidents have been reported to the Environment Protection Department within the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, the University of Malta – since the reserve is adjacent to the university grounds – and the Police Administrative Law Enforcement Unit.

NTM has appealed to anyone who may have noticed any unusual activity in the area to pass on the information to them on 2131 3150. It also appealed to everyone enjoying the sites it manages to respect the environment and the conservation work that is being carried out.

The NGO said it spends over €40,000 a year on maintaining and conserving the Wied Ghollieqa Nature Reserve. It receives €11,500 in support from the authorities and the balance is sought through donations. It also organises guided tours for interested groups to their sites. It is now seeking financial support to employ a ranger to carry out patrols within the site to eradicate vandalism. Last year, all the information and educational panels where either destroyed or stolen and restored rubble walls were vandalised.