THE MTARFA WOODLAND

Imtarfa, or Mtarfa is a small town situated on a plateau close to Rabat and Mdina in the north of Malta. Mtarfa means ‘on the edge'. Mtarfa for several years remained as a fertile land jutting out in between ‘Qlejja' and Busbies Valleys. Mtarfa had a face lift during the British rule in Malta. During the late 1800's military barracks, a clock tower and later a military hospital were built.

With the help of funds from the European Union, the Mtarfa Local Council has recently refurbished an old woodland, so that while it can serve as a recreational area, it can contribute to more public awareness on the indigenous Maltese flora and fauna with which it is adorned. As the woodland grows, it provides food and shelter for birds, insects and other wildlife, and in this way enriches the ecosystem and increases biodiversity. There are a number of picnic benches and at the end of the Mtarfa woodland you will find a view point from which you can enjoy a view across Malta. While this site is considered as an ideal place to go for a picnic and spend weekend afternoons, visitors are asked to observe a basic countryside code and respect should be shown to all forms of wildlife. Since there are many newly planted shrubs and trees, straying from the decking may result in tramping and killing of these saplings. The Mtarfa woodland is open daily from dawn till dusk.

Photo Credit: Reuben Seychell