Wied Dalam transformed into new green space at Għar Dalam
Photo: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0.
A formerly neglected valley area has been rehabilitated as a public green space, linking natural and archaeological heritage in the south.
The Wied Dalam valley area near Għar Dalam in southern Malta has undergone a significant transformation. Once a neglected, overgrown site with littered pathways, it is now a managed green space open to the public—combining nature conservation with archaeological heritage protection.
The project
The rehabilitation was led by Nature Trust Malta and ERA Malta in partnership with local councils:
- **Trail restoration**: Marked, accessible paths through the valley - **Invasive plant removal**: Native Mediterranean plants and garique restored - **Archaeological awareness**: Signage explaining the site's paleontological and cultural history - **Community engagement**: Local schools and volunteers participated in restoration work
Why Wied Dalam matters
### Archaeological significance
Għar Dalam (the "Cave of Darkness") is one of Malta's most important prehistoric caves. Excavations have yielded evidence of human occupation dating back thousands of years, and the surrounding valley holds fossil remains.
### Ecological importance
Wied Dalam is: - Habitat for endemic Maltese plants - Nesting area for birds including the Merill - One of the few year-round freshwater sources - Refuge for small reptiles and invertebrates
The model
Wied Dalam demonstrates how heritage and nature conservation can work together—sites can be both scientifically protected and open to visitors, combining education with preservation. Similar projects are planned for other valleys.