Hub 2
A Sanctuary of Trees, Birds, and History
Welcome to Hub 2. This unique area of The Cliffs estate offers a peaceful journey through Malta’s diverse natural history. From the soothing shade of eucalyptus groves to the ancient agricultural terraces that cascade down the cliffs, Hub 2 is a place of regeneration and discovery.
Here, you can explore thriving habitats that support local bees and birds, discover fruit trees with biblical roots, and stand where history was made during the Second World War. Whether you are interested in the rare native plants, the migration of majestic raptors, or the simple beauty of a wildflower, Hub 2 has a story to tell.
Trees
Eucalyptus
To the south of Hut 2, you will find a significant number of Eucalyptus trees. While these trees are native to Australia, at least three species have been planted across the Maltese countryside.
These trees are incredibly resilient. Their roots are able to draw up water very efficiently, allowing them to dominate the flora in dry, arid zones. Their flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, which attracts large numbers of bees.
Today, many local beekeepers (apiarists) depend on these trees to harvest honey during the autumn. In fact, these trees were specifically planted to support the bees found on the estate. The Eucalyptus plantation south of Hut 2 is approximately 30 years old, providing essential food for pollinators and welcome shade for visitors during hot days.
Pistacia Lentiscus (Lentisk)
The Pistacia lentiscus (also known as Lentisk or Mastic) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean Basin. It typically grows between 1 to 5 metres (3 to 16 ft) high.
You can recognise this plant by the strong smell of resin it produces. In some parts of the world, such as the Greek island of Chios, Turkey, and northern Iraq, it is cultivated specifically for this aromatic resin. However, here in Malta, it is not harvested.
This hardy plant grows well in the dry and rocky areas of the cliffs. You can see a truly enormous Pistacia lentiscus tree growing to the south-east of Hut 2.
Almond (Lewża)
The Almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is one of the oldest trees to be introduced and naturalised in our islands. In Dingli Cliffs and the surrounding countryside, these trees have a special way of welcoming the New Year.
The flowers of the Almond tree appear very early, often before the new leaves. This early blooming leads to glorious displays of almond blossoms. Because of this timing, the tree is often seen as a symbol of promise and watchfulness. In fact, the early blooming of the flower is mentioned up to ten times in the Hebrew Bible as a symbol of being watchful.
Fruit Trees
Prickly Pear
(Bajtar tax-Xewk)
The Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is one of the most recognisable features of the Maltese rural landscape. Although it originated in Mexico and was brought to Europe in the 16th century, it has become perfectly naturalised here. It thrives in our warm, semi-arid climate and serves a dual purpose for farmers: it acts as an effective windbreaker and a secure boundary against intruders!
The cactus produces bright yellow, orange, or red flowers between May and July. By August and September, these blooms turn into delicious fruits. While the thick, spiny skin requires careful peeling, the fruit inside is sweet and colourful. At The Cliffs, we harvest these fruits to create jams and fresh juices, which even feature in our seasonal cocktails.
Quince
(Sfejġel)
The Quince tree (Cydonia oblonga) is not a typical cultivated tree, but it has a long history in Malta. Introduced over 500 years ago, it has adapted to grow in the wild on its own. It is a cousin of the apple and the pear, producing attractive pink blooms in spring and ripening irregular, yellow fruits in late autumn.
The fruit itself is quite unique. It is naturally bitter when raw, but cooking releases a sweet, fruity fragrance. Quinces contain more natural pectin than any other fruit—in fact, the word “marmalade” comes from the Portuguese word for quince (marmelo). Some even speculate that the quince, not the apple, was the “forbidden fruit” in the Garden of Eden.
Traditionally, the Maltese used quince as a remedy for stomach irritation. We have recently revitalised this heritage in Hub 2 by planting numerous new quince trees in 2022.
Fig
(Tin)
The Fig tree (Ficus carica) is one of the oldest cultivated fruit species in the world, with a history spanning over 11,000 years. It thrives in the Maltese climate, producing fruit that is rich in calcium, fibre, and vitamins.
A fascinating fact about figs is that you will never see blossoms on their branches. The flowers are actually hidden inside the fruit, which gives the fig its unique crunchy texture. The tree produces two harvests: the early “Bajtar ta’ San Ġwann” in mid-June, and the late “Tin” about six weeks later.
Sadly, more than half of Malta’s fig trees have been destroyed by invasive pests in recent years. All the original fig trees in Hub 2 were lost, but we are committed to restoring this legacy and have successfully reintroduced new trees to the area.
Mulberries
(Tut)
Like the fig, the Black Mulberry tree has been naturalised in the Maltese countryside for centuries. The fruit is a great source of protein and heart-healthy antioxidants.
Unfortunately, these trees face a significant threat from the Longhorn Beetle (Phryneta leprosa). This invasive pest, accidentally introduced from Central Africa via the timber industry in 2002, bores into the trunks of mulberry and fig trees. The damage has been severe since 2008.
Human intervention is now the only way to protect these trees from extinction. At Hub 2, we closely monitor our trees to control damage and protect Malta’s biodiversity.
Pomegranate
(Rummien)
The Pomegranate is a small tree native to Asia that has long been part of the Maltese landscape. Its name derives from the French for “seeded apple.”
The tree grows up to 5 metres tall and produces striking bright-orange flowers. These develop into the famous ruby-red fruit, packed with juicy seeds (arils). Pomegranates are a superfood, rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Traditionally, the fruit was used for everything from making red dye to medicine and wine. Today, we harvest them to produce our own Pomegranate Jelly, which is packaged right here at The Cliffs Centre.
Local Birds
Seagulls
(Gawwija Prima)
As you hike along the Dingli Cliffs, you will often spot the Yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) gliding overhead or hear its distinctive loud call. This is the largest breeding bird in the Maltese Islands, with a wingspan that can reach up to 1.5 metres.
The lower Dingli Cliffs act as the main colony for these birds in Malta, hosting a stable population of about 50 pairs. They are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, nesting on the ground between March and May. The yellow-legged gull is a protected species, and their numbers are slowly recovering.
Sardinian Warbler
(Bufula Sewda)
The Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) is a small, active bird weighing just 19g. While the male is distinctive with its black head and red eye-ring, the female is brown. Interestingly, this bird was once only a winter visitor but has been breeding in Malta for about 150 years.
They build their nests well-hidden inside low shrubs. In fact, we have observed a pair breeding yearly right here in Hub 2, often choosing our reintroduced quince trees as the perfect safe haven for their chicks.
The Blue Rock Thrush
(Il-Merill)
The Blue Rock Thrush is the National Bird of Malta. It is a solitary bird that loves the rocky sanctuary of the cliffs near the coast. The male is striking with an all-blue body and black wings, while the female is a more subdued dark brown.
Known for its beautiful, melodious song that echoes through the valleys, the male sings from February until the end of May. The cliffs facing north-east from Hub 2 are a key breeding ground, hosting three pairs every season. The population here is quite strong, and these magnificent birds can be seen in the area all year round.
Migratory Birds
Return of Migratory Birds
The Dingli Cliffs are located in the heart of the largest Natura 2000 network in the Maltese Islands. This area is a crucial Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protected Area (SPA), supporting vital habitats for both breeding and migratory birds.
Every year, birds journey between their breeding grounds in Europe and their wintering grounds in Africa. While Malta is not a primary stop-over point on the main flyways, we still witness the passage of remarkable species. The Honey Buzzard (Kuċċarda) and the Marsh Harrier (Bagħdan Aħmar) are two such raptors, both protected due to their conservation needs.
The Honey Buzzard is a long-distance migrant that uses magnetic orientation and visual memory to navigate. It prefers to soar on “thermals”—rising columns of warm air over land—to save energy. The Marsh Harrier, often associated with wetlands, is another frequent visitor. Both can be spotted in autumn and spring, often resting in the semi-natural woodland of Buskett, just 2km from The Cliffs Centre.
Another colourful visitor is the European Bee-eater (Qerd in-Naħal). Once rare, this exotic-looking bird is now commonly seen and heard in flocks during early autumn.
Nightjar
(Buqrajq)
When we think of nocturnal birds, we usually think of owls. But another mysterious visitor to the islands is the European Nightjar. Unlike colourful daytime birds, the Nightjar has “blotchy” brown and grey plumage that provides perfect camouflage, allowing it to blend into leaves and branches while it roosts during the day.
This bird is an expert insect hunter. It has a wide mouth surrounded by bristles, adapted for catching moths and flying insects in the dark, aided by large eyes with reflective layers for night vision.
In ancient times, people believed the myth that Nightjars suckled milk from goats—leading to their Latin name Caprimulgus (“goatsucker”). In reality, they are simply attracted to livestock because of the insects that surround them! Hub 2, with its dry, open country and bushes, is the ideal habitat for this elusive bird.
Raptors: Honey Buzzards
Migration is a true wonder of the natural world. For large birds like raptors, flying over open sea is dangerous because there are no thermal currents to help them soar. This is why they use “land bridges” to shorten their journey.
In autumn, many raptors fly down via the eastern side of Sicily, which brings them closer to Malta. This makes September the best time to spot the Honey Buzzard, especially when the wind is blowing from the south-west.
The Honey Buzzard is a fascinating predator. As its name suggests, it feeds on honeycombs and wasp larvae. To protect itself from stings, it has evolved special stiff, scale-like feathers around its eyes and forehead—nature’s own protective gear.
Black Kite
(Astun Iswed)
Another impressive raptor you might spot overhead is the Black Kite (Milvus migrans). As seen in the image, this bird cuts a striking figure against the blue sky with its dark brown plumage and lighter, greyish head.
Its silhouette is unmistakable. If you look closely at the tail in the photo, you will notice it is slightly forked—a key feature that distinguishes it from the rounded tail of the Honey Buzzard. The bird uses this tail like a rudder, constantly twisting it to steer with agility as it glides on thermal currents.
Unlike many other raptors that hunt live prey, the Black Kite is an opportunistic scavenger. In Malta, they are regular passage migrants, visiting us in both spring and autumn as they make the long journey between their European breeding grounds and their winter homes in Africa.
Insects
Caterpillars
(Dud)
Despite its small size, Malta hosts a surprising variety of insect life, including about 20 species of butterflies and 500 species of moths.
The most famous of these is the Maltese Swallowtail (Papilio machaon subs. melitensis), our only endemic butterfly. Its caterpillar is striking: green with black stripes and red spots. If alarmed, it can project a pair of orange scent glands to deter predators with a strong smell.
Another fascinating species is the Maltese Spurge Hawksmoth (Baħrija tat-Tengħud). Its caterpillar feeds on the toxic Spurge plant, absorbing the poison to make its own body toxic to predators—advertised by its bright warning colours.
Hub 2 is pesticide-free, making it a safe haven where you can spot these creatures transforming from caterpillars into valuable pollinators.
Cicada
(Werżieq ta’ b’inhar)
The sound of the Maltese summer is undoubtedly the song of the male Cicada (Cicada barbara stal). During the hottest part of the day, males vibrate a part of their abdomen to create one of the loudest sounds in the animal kingdom to attract a mate.
For over 160 years, this species was misidentified. Only recently has acoustic analysis confirmed its true identity. Despite their loud song, they are hard to spot—they stop singing the moment they feel threatened. As summer ends, their song fades, marking the end of their life cycle.
Ladybird
(Nannakola)
One of the most beloved and easily recognised insects in the Maltese countryside is the Seven-spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata). Known locally as Nannakola, this small beetle is famous for its bright red wing cases dotted with seven black spots—a warning pattern to predators that it does not taste good.
Ladybirds are incredibly beneficial to the ecosystem. They are nature’s own pest controllers, feeding voraciously on aphids and other tiny insects that damage plants.
Because Hub 2 is managed without the use of harmful pesticides or herbicides, it provides the perfect safe haven for these helpful beetles. In return, they help keep our fruit trees and wild plants healthy naturally. Keep an eye out for them basking on sunlit leaves, especially during spring and early summer.
Wild Plants
Red Carpeted Poppy
(Peprina Ħamra)
Between March and June, fields and waysides across Malta turn red with the bloom of the Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas). This indigenous plant has been here since before the arrival of man.
While famous as a symbol of remembrance for World War I, the poppy also has culinary roots. Its black seeds and leaves are edible, and in the past, red dye from the petals was used to colour wine and medicine. It is distinct from the Opium Poppy (Xaħxieħ Vjola), which was historically used in Maltese medicine as a sedative.
Gladiolus
(Ħabb il-Qamħ)
The name “Gladiolus” comes from the Latin for “little sword,” referring to its long, pointed leaves. While there are thousands of garden varieties, Malta is home to two wild species: the Eastern Gladiolus and the Field Gladiolus.
The Field Gladiolus (Gladiolus italicus) is often found growing among wheat crops—a habit that likely brought it to Malta from Sicily along with early agriculture. It grows up to a metre high with beautiful magenta flowers. Interestingly, shepherds used to feed these plants to goats, believing it increased their milk production. While rare in other parts of the islands, it is commonly encountered here in Hub 2.
Barbary Nut Iris
(Fjurdulis)
Walking through the rocky garrigue of Hub 2 in spring, you might spot flashes of vibrant violet-blue on the ground. This is the Barbary Nut Iris (Moraea sisyrinchium), a delicate flower that is native to the Mediterranean region.
As seen in the image, the flower is distinguished by its three outer petals (falls), which feature a bright white or yellow spot at the centre—a “landing pad” guiding insects to the nectar. A fascinating trait of this iris is its timing; the flowers typically open in the afternoon, earning it the nickname “Afternoon Iris,” and often close by sunset. It thrives in our stony soils, adding a splash of royal colour to the rugged landscape.
Sweet Alyssum
(Buttuniera)
Often seen cascading over the stones of our historic Rubble Walls or carpeting the ground in white, the Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a hardy survivor.
This low-growing plant produces dense clusters of tiny, four-petaled white flowers. True to its name, it emits a sweet, honey-like fragrance that is particularly strong on warm, sunny days. This scent acts as a magnet for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a vital part of the Hub 2 ecosystem. Its ability to grow in minimal soil makes it perfectly adapted to the cracks and crevices of the limestone walls that define our estate.
Edible Plants
Edible Borage
(Fidloqqom)
The Maltese countryside is alive with seasonal wild produce. While often overlooked, these wild plants are pillars of our traditional cuisine. At The Cliffs, we sustainably incorporate local ingredients like Borage (Borago officinalis) and Wild Nettles to celebrate our biodiversity.
Borage is easily recognised by its tiny, blue star-shaped flowers. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible, whether eaten raw or cooked. The plant has a long history of medicinal use; in ancient times, a brew of borage was given to gladiators and crusaders before battle to give them courage. In Malta, it has been used to treat coughs and inflammation.
We make the most of this versatile herb in our kitchen. When in season, we serve fresh borage soup and our signature Borage Ravioli—handmade pasta filled with local leaves gathered from this very area.
Capers
(Kappar)
Capers are a staple of Mediterranean food, known for adding a distinctive salty kick to dishes. These “berries” are actually the flower buds of the Caper bush. While cultivated in other countries, here in Malta, they grow wild on rock faces, fortifications, and even in cracks in the walls.
Two types are native to our islands: the Spineless Caper (Kappar) and the rarer Spiny Caper (Kappar tax-Xewk). The bush produces sweet-smelling white flowers with long violet stamens in summer.
If you were to eat a caper straight from the bush, it would be extremely bitter. The intense flavour we love is only developed after the buds are hand-picked and pickled in vinegar or brine. This preserves them and releases their unique mustard oil.
Artichokes
(Qaqoċċ tax-Xewk)
As the green of spring fades to the dry gold of summer, the landscape is brightened by the purple blooms of the Wild Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus). This thistle-like plant is the wild ancestor of the cultivated Globe Artichoke found in supermarkets.
You can tell the difference easily: the wild plant has a much spicier appearance and smaller flower buds. It is incredibly tough, adapted to survive our hot, dry summers.
The flower heads attract a huge variety of pollinators, from beetles to bees. Historically, the plant was a popular ingredient in Greek, Roman, and Persian cuisine. In Maltese tradition, the leaves were sometimes used as a tonic for fevers, and the plant is still used today in digestives and liqueurs. You can find these striking plants growing throughout Hub 2.
History
The Radar
(Il-Ballun)
One of the most defining landmarks of the Dingli Cliffs is the spherical radar structure, affectionately known by locals as “The Golf Ball.” Its history dates back to 27th March 1939, when the British installed the first radar system in Malta (AMES No. 241) right here on the cliffs.
This site played a crucial role in the Second World War. It was part of a triangulation system that helped intercept enemy aircraft. In fact, when the Siege of Malta began on 11th June 1940, it was the Dingli radar that detected the first ten Italian aircraft approaching the island.
The complex included an underground excavation to house sensitive equipment and a generator room. While the British forces left in 1979, the site remains vital. The current structure, built in the 1980s, is managed by Malta Air Traffic Services Ltd., monitoring air traffic from Tunisia to Crete.
Historic Agricultural Fields
Agriculture in Malta is as old as the presence of man. Over centuries, farmers carved terraced fields into the steep slopes of the cliffs, supported by dry stone walls. This allowed them to grow crops on land that would otherwise be impossible to farm.
Photographs from the 1920s show that farmers used to work the land all the way down to the lowest possible slopes. The village motto of Dingli, Non Segnis Quies Ruris (“Rural quietness is not laziness”), reflects this history of silent, hard work.
However, farming on these marginal cliffs is difficult. Access is poor, water is scarce, and the fields are small. Since the 1960s, many of these fields have been abandoned, allowing nature to reclaim the terraces. Today, when you look down the cliffs, you see a patchwork of abandoned fields mixing with natural garrigue habitat.. a living memory of our agricultural past.
Geography
Rubble Walls
(Ħajt tas-sejjieħ)
The Rubble Wall is the backbone of the Maltese rural landscape. This method of construction has been used since the Arab rule (870-1127 AD).
Building them requires immense patience and craftsmanship. Stones of irregular shapes are stacked without any mud, concrete, or mortar to bind them. The centre is filled with smaller rubble (mazkan).
These walls are not just boundaries; they are vital engineering tools. Because they have no mortar, rainwater can flow through the cracks, preventing waterlogging. At the same time, they trap the soil, stopping it from being washed away into the sea. They also provide homes for lizards, geckos, and plants like the wild caper. Since 1997, these walls have been protected by law due to their immense environmental and historical value.
Blue Gray Clay Slopes
The geology of Dingli Cliffs is defined by layers. Hub 2 sits in a fascinating transition zone between the “Green Sand” and the “Blue Clay” layers.
Blue Clay is a soft rock that forms distinctive 45-degree slopes. When wet in winter, these slopes can become unstable and slide; in summer, the clay dries out and cracks deeply.
Although many of these clay slopes are uncultivated today, they were historically terraced and farmed. You can see the most famous example of these exposed clay slopes at the Qarraba headland nearby. At Dingli, the Blue Clay layer separates the upper vertical cliff from the lower cliff, creating the unique tiered landscape that defines our coast.
Triq Panoramika,
Dingli