The burning of vegetation also damages other fauna including birds’ nests at this time of year, BirdLife said.

Trees need a lot of attention and care to survive in Malta, especially in their first few years of transplanting. Alleged vandals perpetrating such acts cannot possibly understand how much time and effort is required to establish a wooded area.

As the rain becomes scarcer with the onset of warmer weather, the land becomes drier and the risk of fire damage increases. BirdLife Malta appealed to the public to keep an open eye for grass fires and to report these immediately to the fire brigade in order to prevent further damage to the countryside.