Arbor Vitae in the Park

It really is a pleasure to have my collection of paintings inspired by trees "Arbor Vitae" hanging in the Visitor's Centre of the Majjistral Nature and History Park. 

Not many people seem to know where the Park is, let alone about the significance of the work done here. The entrance to the Visitor's Centre is situated between Golden Bay and Manikata.... see the map below.

The centre itself is a beautifully renovated building in the old British barracks situated between Golden Bay and Manikata. It is packed with leaflets, displays, maps and information about the local environment.

Guided Nature Walks are run every Sunday from October to May, but the Park is otherwise open to the public, free of charge. Email [email protected] , call 21521291 or visit their website http://mt.majjistral.org/home
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​The Majjistral Nature and History Park is the only area of protected natural land in Malta. It is situated along the Northwest coast of Malta and stretches from Golden Bay to Anchor Bay.

As well as a few small farmer’s structures and interesting remains thought to date back to the Bronze Age, the Park encompasses a sandy beach, dunes, clay slopes, boulder screes and wild clifftop and maritime garigue. It has a rich ecological and rural heritage, home to many indigenous species of wildlife and rare flora and fauna.​
​Much work has been done in the clearance of rubbish and planting of thousands of indigenous shrubs and trees.

Sunset walks are a popular activity in the Park

The whole area was declared a National Park in 2007 after plans for a golf course were defeated by public outcry. The land was turned over to the governance of three NGO’s; Din l-Art Helwa, Nature Trust Malta and the Gaia Foundation. 

The barracks themselves date back to the early 20th century and became Government property about 40 years ago. They have been allowed to fall into dereliction, but one of the ambitious plans that the Majjistral Park would like to oversee is the rehabilitation of these fine examples of British military architecture. The officer’s quarters are earmarked for short lets, the barracks themselves for nature labs for research and education, a cafeteria and activity centres. Support is needed to begin this process, as any funding needs to be met by 20% of the requested amount. This would be a  investment in a unique swathe of public land and heritage, to be enjoyed for generations to come.

In the Shade

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​On the 26th November we are organising a poetry evening at the Centre. Hosted by Vanessa MacDonald, it promises to be a lot of fun. Readers will be sharing their own work or one that they love, on the subject of trees or nature. There will be wine, nibbles,and laughs. We are asking for a donation of 10euro towards the upkeep of the area. Everyone is welcome! 7.30pm onwards

My exhibition of paintings and prose
​ "Arbor Vitae" opened at the Visitor's Centre on the 4th November and will be on show until the 16th December. I pop in when I can during the week, but the staff are there from 8.30am until 3pm. Call me on 99458286 and I'll meet you there if I can. I open it myself on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm and I would love to see you there! 
I am hoping that, in my small way, my exhibition will help to raise awareness about the importance of trees in our lives, and also to encourage people to visit one of Malta's wonderful hidden gems.

Dance for Joy

​On the 3rd December Sammy Vella, Director of the Park, will be giving an informative and entertaining talk on the healing properties of plants and herbs at 10am, followed by a guided walk in the park. Again, we are asking for a 10 euro donation. For more details please call the Centre on 21521291 during office hours. 

Come and discover the Park!