At a time when children are increasingly glued to screens and disconnected from the outdoors, BirdLife Malta offers a refreshing opportunity for them to reconnect with the natural world. The Nature Guardians courses, designed for children aged 7 to 11, are more than just an educational journey - they're an adventure that fosters curiosity, responsibility, friendships and a lasting appreciation for nature.

Imagine your child exploring Malta's stunning nature reserves, spotting different birds through a telescope, building habitats for insects, carrying out water testing, harvesting salt and learning about ecosystems first-hand. Whether at Għadira, Simar, Foresta 2000 or Salina Nature Reserves, they will be at the heart of conservation efforts while making friends and having fun.

Nature Guardians happens three times a year - in spring, summer and again in autumn. What is fascinating is that although some of the activities remain the same the environment itself is totally different giving a unique perspective each time. The summer course is designed to be more fun and team-building oriented while still emphasizing on the importance of protecting nature.

Photos: Murat Gelir and Vera Tokmakova

Why Nature Guardians Matters

Malta's environment faces increasing pressures, with development threatening natural spaces. Yet in these serene reserves, nature thrives, and young minds are inspired. The Nature Guardians programme gives children a chance to play an active role in protecting these precious spaces while gaining valuable life skills. From birdwatching and habitat restoration to creating hedgehog shelters and exploring the microscopic world of water creatures, each activity is designed to ignite curiosity and build knowledge.

Not only does the program teach ecological principles, but it also fosters teamwork, leadership, and a sense of responsibility. Participants learn that their efforts-whether planting trees or monitoring biodiversity-can make a tangible difference.

More Than Just a Course

2025 will see us roll out our 7th course in the series and the feedback obtained to date is simply incredible. Beyond the lessons and activities, children take away unforgettable memories of moments spent in nature: the thrill of seeing a bird up close, the satisfaction of planting a tree, and the joy of discovering creatures they'd never seen before.

At the end of the 12-week course, participants are awarded a Nature Guardians certificate-a testament not only to their achievements but to their role as young stewards of Malta's natural heritage. The plus is that the nature guardians adventure does not end with the course! Once graduated the children join the alumni community and can attend activities purposely devised to keep the group inspired and going.

Nature Guardians Spring Course ....the details

• Who: Children aged 7-11
• Where: Salina, Simar, Għadira, and Foresta 2000 Nature Reserves (meeting place is always at Salina Nature Reserve)
• When: Sunday mornings (over 12 weeks) in the period March to May 2025
• Time: 09:00 am to noon
• Cost: €260 (but readers of this article get a 10% discount with the code NATURE10)

This fee includes a branded T-shirt, cap, course materials, and transportation to reserves.

An Investment in Their Future

The Nature Guardians program is more than an extracurricular activity; it's an opportunity to nurture your child's love for nature, teach them skills for the future, and foster values of responsibility and care. In a world increasingly facing environmental challenges, these experiences empower children to become agents of change-today and tomorrow.

Give your child the gift of discovery, purpose, and adventure. Apply now for the upcoming spring course and let them embark on a journey they'll cherish forever.

If you are interested in applying or wish more information about the nature guardians course please email [email protected] and [email protected]

Mark Gauci is Head of Land Management at BirdLife Malta.