The Foresta 2000 Nature Reserve has been vandalised, BirdLife Malta said in a statement.

"The Nature Reserve, an afforestation project in Mellieħa aimed at creating a young and vibrant forest habitat, is unfortunately not new to stories of vandal attacks. Having said that, the discovery of damage to the site still leaves an incredibly sour taste especially when the place is open for the enjoyment of the public all year round."

"During a routine survey of the site this morning, our managing warden discovered that recently fixed handrails in a part of the site were senselessly stolen and broken down. The handrails were fixed to the ground along the clay slopes, along a path used regularly by visitors since it links the Għadira Bay area to the popular St Agatha's Tower (Red Tower). The aim of the work carried out just this week was to ensure maximum safety to our visitors, especially the older citizens who use the rail to help them up the rather steep clay slopes."

"A police report was filed, and we will not let such incidents get us down as we seek to ensure a safe and green environment for the public to enjoy. We urge visitors to report any irregularities encountered on site on our Facebook page or else via email to [email protected]."