Reawakening nature in Autumn: Walking with members of a local NGO

Autumn in the Maltese Islands comes after the hot and dry days of summer. The arrival of autumn is seen as a time of reawakening and growth in Malta, mainly since the rainy season commences with the onset of Autumn.

The first autumn rains are responsible for the germination of annual plants which remain dormant throughout the summer. Plants that survive summer as underground bulbs or tubers, also start growing in autumn.

Several of the flowers that start appearing along Dingli Cliff’s garrigue habitats in Autumn include the Stemless Atractylis, Autumn buttercup and Autumn narcissus. One of the most remarkable plants that can also be found during this time of the year is the Yellow-throated crocus, whose violet colour and orange stamens are reminiscent of the saffron spice. The wild crocus can be used for harvesting saffron threads, however its flavour and spice is less than the cultivated saffron in other countries.

Autumn’s ideal weather for outdoor activities is encouraged at The Cliffs Interpretation Centre through its FREE guided walks. The walks offer an innovative means of recreation, whilst also learning something new about the surrounding environment and biodiversity. Last Saturday 12^th November, The Centre organised a guided walk to members of an environment non-governmental organisation. First, an audiovisual was shown, followed by an accompanied walk to explore Dingli’s surrounding areas – flora, fauna, history, archaeology, gastronomy, local produce…