Majjistral

The Majjistral Nature and History Park is situated in the middle of the Natura 2000 strech of coast, in an area largely dominated by clay, which sits beneath the upper and lower coralline limestone.

The wave action has eroded the clay to the point where large sections of limestone have collapsed, forming the boulder scree. This has given rise to a special habitat for flora, which has often remained somewhat protected owing to its relative inaccessibility. It has also created a breathtaking landscape which does not go unnoticed by most visitors, both local and foreign. The erosion of the rock has also lead to the formation of sand which in turn is washed ashore to create sandy beaches. The North West in fact boasts a number of beautiful bays, stretching from Fomm ir-Riħ, to Ġnejna, Għajn Tuffieħa, Golden Sands, and Paradise Bay. These are all surrounded by magnificent views of clay slopes, boulder scree and cliffs.

Most of the areas of ecological importance in the Maltese Islands are actually concentrated around the coastal zone, since this is home to a number of important habitats, which include clay slope formations, sand dunes, water courses, Macquis or Garrigue, just to mention a few.

These habitats have been under threat for many years owing to grazing, illegal structures, clearing for agriculture or bird trapping, off roading, fires, trampling and dumping. Such activities need to be regulated and controlled as a first step to habitat restoration. Direct intervention may also be undertaken in highly degraded areas. This may include action to reduce erosion and the planting of species appropriate for the specific habitat.

Further info: http://majjistral.org