Simar Nature Reserve

03/04/2026

Please note that Simar Nature Reserve will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Thank you for your understanding.

27/03/2026

Simar buffer zone transformed into a natural and accessible space for the community

A buffer zone next to Simar Nature Reserve has been transformed into a new natural space for the public. The 3,200-square-metre site, long affected by illegal dumping despite repeated clean-ups by BirdLife Malta, now offers restored habitats and safe access for visitors.

BirdLife Malta’s Head of Land Management, Mark Gauci, said the project reflects the organisation’s mission to benefit both nature and people. “Our aim is for this site to be open daily, free of charge. It offers a space where people can relax in nature. This is a nature reserve, not a garden, where nature takes priority.”

Architect Benjamin Vassallo, Head of Project Design at Project Green, said all works respected Natura 2000 regulations and the site’s ecosystem. He noted that plant species present are essential for restoring the natural habitat.

BirdLife Malta secured funding in 2022 through Project Green’s Community Greening Grant Scheme. The European Union financed 75% of the project, with the Maltese Government covering the remainder.

The restored area was inaugurated in the presence of Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, alongside Project Green, the St Paul’s Bay Local Council, and BirdLife Malta.

The site was redesigned to enhance biodiversity, safety, and accessibility. Works included new walking paths, picnic benches, information panels, native planting, habitat restoration, and a brackish-water pond reflecting Simar’s ecosystem. No lighting was installed to protect sensitive wildlife.

Safety measures include CCTV, boundary walls, gates, and fire prevention features. Improved access now allows more than 700 nearby residents to reach the site within a ten-minute walk.

Simar Nature Reserve, managed by BirdLife Malta, is a Ramsar site within the Natura 2000 network. The restored buffer zone strengthens its ecological value while providing a new space for the public to enjoy and learn about nature.

Project Green Sostenibilità Fondi Ewropej Kunsill Lokali San Pawl il-Baħar

07/02/2026

21/01/2026

Nature reserve reopens

As from today, BirdLife Malta’s Simar Nature Reserve is open as usual and ready to welcome visitors.

We look forward to seeing you! Enjoy your visit and thank you for supporting nature conservation. 🐦

19/01/2026

Weather Notice - Nature Reserves Closed Today

Due to strong winds and unsettled weather forecast across Malta today, Simar Nature Reserve, will be closed for public safety.

Conditions are expected to be very windy with gusts throughout the day, which could make trails and open areas hazardous.

We’ll update you as conditions improve. Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe.

16/12/2025

🎄 Festive Season Update from BirdLife Malta Nature Reserves 🐦

As we approach this wonderful time of year, we’d like to wish all our visitors, supporters and nature lovers a very peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year! ✨

Please note that Simar Nature Reserve will be closed on the following days during the festive period:

📅 24th, 25th & 26th December 2025
📅 31st December 2025, and 1st & 2nd January 2026

We’ll be open as usual on all other days, following our regular schedule. 🌿

We look forward to welcoming you back for more peaceful walks, birdwatching, and nature moments very soon.

Until then, enjoy the festivities and all the beauty that nature has to offer! 🎁🌱

12/12/2025

Please note that Simar Nature Reserve is closed today for our Christmas staff event. We’ll reopen on Sunday. Thank you for your understanding, and we wish everyone a pleasant day.

02/12/2025

🌙✨ What a magical Chameleon Night at Simar! ✨🌙

On 28 November, you nature enthusiasts joined us for a nighttime adventure at Simar Nature Reserve. Despite the chilly weather, we managed to spot several chameleons, and enjoy that rare, peaceful feeling of being in a nature reserve after sunset.

To reduce disturbance to wildlife, we used red torch-lights. Red light has a longer wavelength, scatters less, and is generally less disruptive to nocturnal species than white or blue light, helping animals maintain their natural behaviour while still allowing us to observe them safely.

Equipped with these red torches and plenty of curiosity, participants explored Simar in the dark, learned about the secret lives of Mediterranean Chameleons, and discovered just how different the reserve feels at night. The cold didn’t stop us. The atmosphere was warm, calm, and full of excitement.

A huge thank you to our EUPA Malta - Erasmus+ & European Solidarity Corps volunteers for organising the event, and to everyone who joined, listened, asked questions, and shared this unique evening with us. 💚 Simar at night is truly a special place and we’re delighted we could experience it together.

We’re planning to hold one more night like this. Stay tuned, and watch out for our upcoming events!

🎨Design by Nadia Sodano

31/10/2025

📣 New opening hours at Simar Nature Reserve 🌿🐦

Starting this Monday, we’re updating the midweek opening hours for Simar Nature Reserve.

🕒 Check the updated schedule below or visit www.birdlifemalta.org/nature-reserves for more details:

September – October: 1:30pm – 6:30pm

November – January: 1:30pm – 5:00pm

February: 1:30pm – 5:30pm

March: 1:30pm – 6:00pm

April – May: 1:30pm – 7:30pm

These hours apply to midweek opening days (Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
Weekend opening hours remain unchanged.

🌳 Entrance is free. Just bring your curiosity and love for nature!

28/10/2025

🌿 Important Notice: Temporary closure 🌿

Our nature reserve will be taking a short break for staff training 🦉💚

Please note the following closure dates:

📍 Simar Nature Reserve
🗓️ Friday 31st October
🗓️ Sunday 2nd November

We’ll be back to welcome you right after these dates, refreshed and ready to share nature with you again! 🌞✨

Thank you for your understanding and continued support 💙

17/09/2025

🌿 Simar Nature Reserve reopens! 🌿

We’re excited to welcome you back to Simar Nature Reserve from Monday, 22 September 2025!

Come and enjoy the peace of this unique wetland, spot local and migratory birds, and reconnect with nature in one of Malta’s most tranquil spots.

🕒 Opening Hours:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

💚 Entrance is always FREE – no booking required!

Bring your friends, family, binoculars and love for nature. We can't wait to see you!

03/06/2025

Bħalissa l-għadajjar żgħar fir-riserva naturali huma mimlijin żrinġijiet u mrieżep.

The small ponds around the nature reserve are teeming with frogs and tadpoles.

🎥Jason Aloisio