Early yesterday morning, the ranger in charge of the site discovered at least 100 young trees and shrubs that were either uprooted or broken. Sections of the wire fence and signage were also damaged.

The trees were mainly tamarisks, pines, oaks and sandaracs (Malta’s national tree), many of which were planted last year by schoolchildren. The wire fence delineates the eastern boundary of the project and was erected to control access by vehicles that were causing considerable damage to the clay slopes.

The above incident is not the first of its type, the statement said. Since commencement of the project in 2000, it has been the target of repeated acts of

vandalism.