The last remaining dense tree canopy in Mosta Square has been butchered, BirdLife, said, days after ficus trees in the same area were also rendered as stumps.

In a post on Facebook, Birdlife said that the mature olive tree that in its original state provided shelter to white wagtails after they had lost their roosting quarters in the ficus trees is now also gone.

“Unbelievable! They butchered it too! Following the destruction of the Ficus trees in Mosta’s square and following the installation of potted trees that then ended up lit up for Christmas, now even the last remaining dense tree canopy in Mosta’s square has ended up violated – a mature Olive tree that in its original state had provided shelter to the #WhiteWagtails after they lost their roosting quarters in the remaining Ficus trees,” BirdLife said

"We absolutely cannot understand the logic behind the Mayor and the Local Council’s reasoning that after all that happened, and after the public outcry and protest, they continue to forge ahead with removing every single leaf from the square where birds could seek shelter, and it also seems that they consider themselves above the law! No permits were sought or granted by ERA - Environment & Resources Authority to cover this severe pruning that has rendered another tree practically leafless.

"In view of this, this morning we have formally requested ERA and the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) of The Malta Police Force to investigate the issue, and take further enforcement and legal action against the local council as necessary.

"We’re fed up of this arrogant attitude towards nature and the lack of respect shown to the majority of people who have already demonstrated their anger and protested to show that these trees are close to our hearts!"

Earlier this month, controversy erupted after ficus trees, planted 50 years ago, were heavily pruned, leaving birds who used them as their "home" without a place they could nest.

The trees were set to be re-planted elsewhere but following public outcry, the Mosta mayor and council had backtracked and chose to leave the ficus trees there, not before damage had already been done. Protests had been held and activists had spent the night in Mosta square to protect the trees. One of the activists had been detained by police.

The council had installed other trees in the square, but they had caused further distress when they were decorated by Christmas lights, frightening birds, and were also toppled over in high winds.