The stars at night turn our gaze upwards – but at this time of year while walking in the countryside we can enjoy some floral ‘stargazing’ during the day by looking down at the rocky ground.
Category: Nature
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Keep protected areas protected! The case of Tal-Wej
In January’s newsletter we touched upon the incredible ecological diversity of freshwater rockpools – unfortunately since then a new threat has arisen which jeopardises the future of one of the most important Temporary Freshwater Rockpool sites and archaeologically rich areas in Malta – Tal-Wej – the last open space located between the built up areas...
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Foraging plant of the month – February: Nettle
Nettle (MT: Ħurrieq) Urtica spp. Many know the nettle plant more for its painful stinging sensation than for culinary or medicinal reasons. Although it may be difficult to come across nettle tea or nettle soup in local menus, traditionally nettle was used commonly in Malta as a remedy for chillblains.
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Flower of the month – February : Southern Dwarf Iris
One of the most striking wild flowers of the Maltese Islands is in bloom around this time of year in rocky areas … but alas it remains to be found only in a handful of places.
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The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
Friends of the Earth Malta welcomes the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and especially its targets for restoration and its focus on agroecology in the hope that this can provide a turning point for nature protection and reverse some of the damage done after years of spiralling degradation both on land and at sea and...
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Atlas of Maltese Mammals – Algerian Hedgehogs
The Algerian Hedgehog, or North African hedgehog (MT: Qanfud) Erinaceus algirus, is part of the Erinaceidae family. The Algerian Hedgehog comes from North African countries such as Morocco, Libya, Tunisia and Algeria, and is believed to have been introduced by humans in some European countries such as Malta, Spain and France.