Welcome to Buskett, a lush oasis nestled in the heart of Malta. Embark on a captivating journey through this fascinating woodland where one encounters rich biodiversity inhabiting mosaic of habitats set among cultural landscapes with a long history, intended to provide an easy walk around Buskett. This journey will take approximately around 15 minutes and is 1km long in length. Caution: one needs to be careful when walking when the path is beaten.
Establishing protected areas and safeguarding biodiversity, particularly native species, are crucial for healthy ecosystems. Former agrarian rooms that had lain abandoned for decades were rehabilitated as an Education Centre, inaugurated in July 2023. The Centre provides information and educational activities regarding environmental-related issues to Buskett visitors alike including seed planting. This Education Centre is administered by Ambjent Malta (AM). As you walk around Buskett, you’ll see fire safety markers. If you spot a fire, call CPD (Civil Protection Department) on 112 and report the nearest marker’s colour and code. This helps responders quickly locate the fire, saving time and preventing small fires from spreading. Since its inception in 2018, AM implemented numerous environmental projects including installation of green walls in urban areas, removal of invasive non-indigenous plants, planting over 60,000 indigenous trees all over the islands, landscaping projects and management of protected areas, including here Buskett.
Walk till you reach the pond that is situated behind the Buskett Education Centre
Here one can observe several aquatic invertebrates:
This artificial pond has also become a refuge for infrequent, threatened, indigenous vascular plant species and fauna namely:
Walking down the path, coming to a crossroads, turn onto the gentle uphill footpath on your right-hand side, to find one of the only four remaining relictual patches of native wild Holm Oak woodland.
Once you find yourself among the centuries-old Holm Oak (“Balluta/Siġra tal-Ġandar”) trees, take your time for some forest bathing: look up; reflect and observe the sunlight playing through the leaves, the wind rustling the leave on the trees and inhale the fresh redolent forest air.
Back to the cross-roads and walk a few meters downhill.
At this spot, on your left-hand side, you will find yourself in the shade of a very large Pedunculate Oak Tree (“Balluta Inġliża”).
Note that the leaves of the Pedunculate Oak are very different from those of the Holm Oak:
Walk a few metres down the country road and turn to your right. You are now walking alongside Buskett Valley (“Wied il-Buskett”).
Buskett is Malta’s largest forested area, mainly consisting of trees planted during the rule of the Knights of St. John and the British Empire, but a few relictual patches of natural (wild) native woodland within its confines remain.
The largest remaining population of the rare indigenous White Poplar (“Luq”) is to be found within “Wied il-Buskett” (Buskett Valley), cutting through Buskett, and the contiguous Girgenti – “Għajn il-Kbira” valley.
The White Poplar is the dominant tree of riparian woodlands in the Maltese Islands, forming extensive galleries. It is characterised by lobed leaves that are green on the upper surface and velvety white beneath, giving the tree a sparkling silvery aspect as it is swayed by the breeze. Note that nearly all White Poplar in Buskett are males, with only one female tree being extant.
As you walk down the valley, on your right, you can observe the “Tal-Bagħal” Farmhouse.
The largest of the four farmhouses at Buskett, the “Razzett tal-Bagħal”, which have been restored, was commissioned by Grandmaster Giovanni Paolo Lascaris and built between 1636 and 1657. As per the 1867 blueprints, it comprised of three courtyards, a storage area, three stables, and an additional room on the first floor. The building bears the coats-of-arms of both Grandmaster Lascaris, on its exterior, and that of Grandmaster Wignacourt, on the internal face of the archway which leads to the farmhouse, while a third coat of arms of Grandmaster de Rohan, is found on the upper storey of the farmhouse façade.
Primarily used for animal husbandry, its rooms served multiple purposes, functioning as storage for crops, tools, firearms, and birdwatching equipment while offering protection from the elements. Today, it is managed by the Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK). Currently, a project is underway with the primary goal of reintroducing barn owls into their natural habitat in Malta, aiming to establish a sustainable population. The last recorded breeding pair in the wild dates back to the early 1980s.
At this point, with “Razzett tal-Bagħal” situated on the right, you may proceed down a gentle slope into a deeper and very well-shaded part of the valley, through which a seasonal stream, which is rich in biodiversity, courses.
This very well-shaded part of the valley, through which an intermittent stream courses through is rich in biodiversity:
Turning back to the crossroads: at the point were the “Razzett tal-Bagħal” farmhouse stands to the left: proceed to the right on the pathway leading up to the picnic area. The pathways are lined with Rubble walls (“Ħitan tas-sejjieħ”) in a good state of preservation.
Windmills of this kind, linked to a water-pump, were imported from America in the 20th century.
Rubble walls (“Ħitan tas-Sejjiegħ”) fulfil myriad vital functions. While they have demarcated field and property boundaries for generations, they also have an important role ecologically: they mitigate soil erosion and runoff by permitting water to percolate through their interstices, thereby averting waterlogging and ensuring soil retention.
Furthermore, they serve as sanctuaries for diverse species of flora and fauna, including lizards, geckos, butterflies, terrestrial molluscs, and indigenous plant communities. The dominant flora species is a creeper that frequently mantles vast stretches of wall: the Common Ivy (“Liedna”). The fruit of the Common Ivy is eaten by a variety of wintering birds including the Eurasian Blackcap (“Kapinera”). Due to their high landscape, historical and encological value, the conservation and upkeep of all rubble walls and rural structures have been mandated by law since 1997.
At this point, with the windmill standing infront of you, you may proceed up a gentle slope on your left facing the entrance/exit of the picnic area (staircase).
This area is nestled in the heart of nature, inviting you to unwind and connect with the outdoors responsibly. This idyllic spot offers a peaceful retreat, surrounded by lush greenery accompanied by the gentle rustle of leaves and birdsong. Ample seating in the form of picnic tables is provided. Please refrain from littering, making noise, engaging in boisterous sport / leisure activities, lighting fires (including BBQ fires) and many more. Children must be always accompanied by adults.
Proceed on the main path to the right towards the entrance/exit of the picnic area. On you left you can observe the Verdala Place among the stretch of trees.
Please take some time to stop by two centuries-old Olive Trees (“Żebbug”) situated on the left side of the path (Pictured).
Proceed on the main path to observe the citrus groves.
This path is flanked by historic citrus fruit groves. As you walk by soak up the aroma of orange blossoms and ripening orange fruits.
At the end of the path turn on your left to the Alcove and hunting lodge.
Another landmark, situated at the left-hand turning point to the car park, is the alcove with natural watercourse which is fed by the “Ta’ Sala” forking into it. A large stalactite stands outside the Grotto: it is said to have been brought over from the nearby “Għar il-Kbir” cave complex. A large hunting lodge commissioned by Grandmaster Jean Parisot de Valette is situated above the Grotto.
This is the end of the trip; hope you enjoyed walking through the wonders of nature and experiencing the tapestry of sounds and scents. Thank You.