The valley, known as Il-Wied ta’ Ghajn Zejtuna, located within the settlement boundary of Santa Marija Estate in Mellieha has been scheduled by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and added to the growing list of natural scheduled sites as the Authority continues protecting Malta’s biodiversity and natural heritage.

Although the Wied formed part of a much wider system, the valley-bed still sustains a permanent and constant flow of freshwater. This freshwater spring flows from the Mellieha perched groundwater body at the interface between the Upper Coralline Limestone Formation (Mtarfa Member) and the Blue Clay formation.

Apart from its ecological importance, the valley imparts a significant degree of aesthetic value, having an important containment role to play-to avoid the coalescence of the villa development, a role that should be preserved to safeguard both the intrinsic visual aspect and the hydrodynamic function of the valley-bed.

Part of the valley side that supports a semi-natural woodland consisting of mature Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis) has also been scheduled. This semi-natural woodland merits protection not only as part of the whole valley, but for their distinctive ecological importance both in terms of watershed protection and intrinsic values.

The watercourse and immediate banks are scheduled as a Level 2 Area of Ecological Importance (AEI), in line with Structure Plan policy RCO 10(1) and (9). The semi-natural woodland (Aleppo pine copse) is scheduled as a Level 2 degree of protection (AEI), in conformity with Structure Plan policy RCO 10(5).

The watercourse flows onto the coastal platform, beneath Ix-Xatt ta’ Santa Marija, the latter supporting a small maritime garigue assemblage and a shingle beach. The coastal platform and the vegetation community it supports are scheduled as a Level 2 degree of protection (AEI), in line with Structure Plan policy RCO (9).

MEPA spokesperson said “Although the site is located within the development zone, physical development shall be limited to the maintenance of existing structures that are already covered by a development permit.” He continued that “proposals for bungalow development adjacent to the scheduled area will need to include a block plan showing the delineation of the rear property wall aligned with the scheduling boundary, and the scheduled part of the site retained in its natural setting.”

Scheduling of natural and cultural heritage, is a control mechanism that enables the Authority to restrict development according to the protection level.

The Authority remains committed to implementing sustainable development principles and practices for it to pass on the natural and cultural heritage to future generations.