September 2, 2020

Dingli Cliffs and the Blue-gray Clay slopes

The soft marls of the Blue Clay can be seen along the coastline of the Maltese Islands as either exposed close to sea-level or else within […]
August 13, 2020

The Oldest cultivated fruit species in the Maltese Islands – Figs

The fig tree (Ficus carica, Tin), originated in the Middle East and western Asia. It has been sought out for its decorative nature and delicious fruit […]
July 5, 2020

Encountering Malta’s National Plant at Dingli Cliffs

Since 1971, the Maltese Rock-Centaury (Cheirolophus crassifolius, Widnet il-Baħar) has been recognised as Malta’s national plant.  This species is scarce but widespread in certain areas, in […]
June 29, 2020

The Wild Artichoke blooms

The surrounding garrigue’s spring greenery has given way to grasses and dry patches of plants. Yet, the purple blooms of the Wild Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, Qaqoċċ […]
June 20, 2020

The largest snake in the Maltese Islands

The Western Whip Snake (Coluber viridiflavus carbonarius, Serp Iswed) is the most common snake of four species in the Maltese Islands, also found throughout other areas […]
June 12, 2020

Marine pollution, plastic waste and the impacts of increasing health concerns

We have read reports all around the world of an environmental silver lining brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic – smog giving way to blue skies, […]
June 8, 2020

The spiky hedgehog

The Algerian/Vagrant Hedgehog (Qanfud,  Atelerix algirus) is a mammal species recorded in parts of North Africa (Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia), Malta and Spain. It is thought […]
June 5, 2020

The Asphalt smelling Pitch Trefoil

Mediterranean climate ecosystems are rich in legumes, with the Pea (Leguminosae or Fabaceae) family identified as a major component of the vast majority of habitats and […]
June 1, 2020

The old quarries at Clapham Junction

The large open area at Misraħ Għar il-Kbir, which contains the largest intensity of cart ruts in the Maltese Islands is also well-known by the nickname […]