Are you curious about what it takes to manage a nature reserve, restore habitats, and discover local flora and fauna through hands-on research? Now you can find out.
Since 2022, BirdLife Malta has been offering children the opportunity to experience the role of a nature reserve warden through our Nature Guardians programme. Courses run every autumn and spring, and since 2024 also in summer. Participants learn about Maltese wildlife, enjoy the outdoors, make new friends, and gain the skills needed to become Nature Guardians, helping to protect our natural environment.
Following the success of the first course in autumn 2022, the programme expanded to include spring, summer and autumn editions each year. We are now launching the Nature Guardians Summer Course 2026.
Explore the Nature Guardians programme with BirdLife Malta and follow this space for updates on upcoming courses! More details below.
Nature Guardians Course – Summer 2026
Explore. Learn. Protect. Have fun.
This summer, Nature Guardians returns with a new mission-based programme for children aged 7β11.
Over 10 sessions, participants will investigate real environmental issues affecting Malta’s nature and learn how they can be part of the solution.
This is not a classroom-style course. The summer edition is designed to be more active, hands-on, playful, and team-based, while still helping children build real knowledge about Maltese nature and conservation.
Children will work in teams, complete outdoor missions, use simple scientific tools, take part in games and challenges, and explore how nature reserves are protected in real life.
The course includes 8 sessions at Salina Nature Reserve and 2 surprise outings.
By the end of the course, children will not only understand the environment better, but they will also have practised thinking like young conservationists and made new friends.
Course dates
7 July 2026 β 15 September 2026 (weekly on Tuesdays)
No session will be held during Santa Marija week (11 August).
July: 7, 14, 21, 28
August: 4, 18, 25
September: 1, 8, 15
Time: 17:00 to 20:00
Locations: Salina Nature Reserve, and two outings.
Thanks to the support of Project Green, the course fee is β¬120.
Course fee includes:
- 10 sessions in total: 8 sessions at Salina Nature Reserve and 2 outings
- Nature Guardians T-shirt
- All activity materials and equipment
- Certificate of participation
- Access to the Nature Guardians Alumni Community
- Free monthly alumni events after graduation
Places are limited, and bookings are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis once registration and payment have been completed.
Some of the things your child will experience
- π§ Measure water salinity at Maltaβs historic salt pans
- π¬ Search for microorganisms using microscopes
- π± Identify and remove invasive plant species
- π Discover how birds, plants, insects, wetlands and coastal habitats are connected
- π¦ Visit environmental sites and see real examples of conservation work
- π‘ Conduct temperature experiments to understand urban heat islands
- π Take part in team challenges
Apply Now
Spaces are limited, and bookings are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply now to join Nature Guardians Summer 2026!
How to Apply:
- Step 1: Complete the online registration form below
- Step 2: Finalize your booking by making the online payment.
(Bookings are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis upon payment receipt.)
Missed out on the current Nature Guardians course? Donβt worry!
If the course is already full or has started, you can still get ahead of the crowd. Just fill in our pre-registration form, and weβll contact you as soon as the next intake opens.
By pre-registering, youβll get priority access to secure your spot in this popular programme.
Watch this video summing up the autumn 2025 edition of Nature Guardians!
Course highlights
π§ Who can join: This incredible opportunity is perfect for nature enthusiasts aged 7 to 11. We keep our groups small, with a maximum of 12 participants, to ensure individual attention.
π§ What to expect: Fun, knowledge and new friends in a safe open-air environment.
π§ Course duration: Ten captivating sessions, spanning over three months, that will lead you on a memorable adventure through four stunning nature reserves: Simar, Salina, GΔ§adira, and Foresta 2000.
π§ Learn and explore: Guided by our dedicated BirdLife Malta staff, young Nature Guardians will:
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Monitor water quality and discover the impact of salinity and oxygen levels on Malta’s national fish, the Mediterranean Killifish
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Plan and implement habitat restoration projects
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Dive into the world of water inhabitants with microscopes
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Construct insect hotels and place them in the reserves
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Gain insights into the lives of hedgehogs on Maltese Islands
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Learn propagation techniques and master the art of planting seeds
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Plant flora they would have grown themselves!
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Explore the world of birdwatching and discover the captivating migration patterns of birds, and much more including bird ringing sessions!
Graduation and beyond
Upon completing the course, a special graduation ceremony awaits, where participants are awarded a certificate officially designating them as fully fledged Nature Guardians. However, the true value lies not in the certificate, but in the enriching experience children gain while connecting with nature β a respite from the pressures of traffic, schoolwork, computers, and social media.
As children progress through the course, they form close-knit bonds and friendships, fostering teamwork. We encourage them to continue their conservation journey by participating in monthly activities for graduated Nature Guardians.
How to apply
π’ Application period: Applications open bi-annually, in August and February.
π’ Meeting point and time: All sessions convene at Salina Nature Reserve, with transport provided to the various reserves on session days. The sessions are normally held on Saturday mornings, starting at 09:00 and finishing at 12:00.
π’ Course fee: The course fee includes all sessions, a Nature Guardians T-shirt and cap, transport to the different reserves, and a course guide booklet which you can use as a notebook at every session.
π’ Enrolment process: To enrol, you will be requested to simply complete a registration form. Afterward, you would need to finalize your booking by making an online payment β links to the payment facility will be included in the registration form. Bookings are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis upon payment receipt.
For any inquiries or to reserve your spot ahead of the application opening, please fill in the Google Form above (click on the button or scan the QR code) or contact us via email at [email protected].
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to become a Nature Guardian and leave a lasting impact on Malta’s precious natural wonders. Join us today and embark on an incredible journey of conservation and discovery!