BirdLife Malta has restored another wetland – this time at Salina Nature Reserve. It is the third such project in our history.
The site lies next to the salt pans near to Kennedy Grove. It now thrives as a habitat for both rare and common plant and bird species.
Through the restoration, we removed large amounts of illegally dumped material and created small brackish water canals and ponds. These changes recreated extremely rare brackish habitat at Salina that supports local salt tolerant biodiversity.
Birds like the Water Rail, Common Kingfisher and Reed Bunting now visit the site regularly and stay for several months. The Reed Warbler has returned to breed after an absence of more than a decade.
DIMFE funded the restoration with the goal to improve wetland habitat, water quality and access for nature-friendly visitors.
Before the project, Salina faced serious problems. Illegal dumping, invasive plants and human disturbance had pushed wildlife away.
BirdLife Malta took action. We cleaned up the site, replanted native trees and restored the natural flow of water. We also built birdwatching areas to limit disturbance.
The changes brought quick results. Native plants and fish returned. More birds arrived and some began breeding again.
Today, the reserve also serves as an educational space. Visitors learn about Malta’s natural environment and how to protect it.
Salina’s recovery shows how wetland restoration can help both wildlife and people.
For full details and lessons learned, view the factsheet published by MedWet Managers Network.
