Lying at the end of Wied Il-Pwales in Xemxija, nestled within an agricultural landscape between residential homes and busy roads, you will find a nature reserve that’s an oasis of calm, natural beauty and a haven for birds.

Simar Nature Reserve is an example of what could be created within the Maltese countryside, for Maltese wildlife and enjoyed by Maltese people, who would appreciate more of nature's bounty. It is the result of a prescient choice in the late 1980's on the part of the authorities who accepted NGO BirdLife Malta’s proposal to restore wetland (that had become a dump), selecting it over a proposal to build a theme park. The year 1992 saw a network of pools, canals and islands created and hundreds of trees planted to become the thriving wetland sanctuary Simar is today.

The Sharp Rush, a flowering plant that typically grows in dunes and salt marshes and inhabits these wetlands gives the nature reserve its name: is-Simar. Set in the Pwales Valley, where Palus is Latin for 'marsh', here you’ll find open pools, reed beds and trees, a safe haven for several resident and migrating birds and home to a number of protected species.

You can also find Water Rails, Herons, Egrets and Shy Warbler hiding in the reed beds, while Kingfishers hang around the pools. If you have time, peek inside the pools to see the rare Mediterranean Killifish and various crustaceans. Spot the Mediterranean Chameleon and geckos camouflaged on tree branches as you walk around the trail. Identify the rare tassel-weed that grows here. Listen for the distinct call of the Cetti’s Warbler. See Barn Swallows feeding on insects during spring and, finally, spot the nests of Coots and Little Grebes that breed only here on the Maltese Islands.

With wildlife teeming in its various habitats, it is no surprise that Simar is now a fully protected bird sanctuary, a Ramsar site, and a Special Area of Conservation within the EU Natura 2000 network.

Maintained by NGO BirdLife Malta, assistance is available to those new to bird watching. Volunteers will help you spot some of Simar’s special wildlife. Visit November to May on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2pm to 7pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm. Entrance is free, however, donations are welcome. Simar Nature Reserve is accessible from bus stops ‘Roti’ and ‘Simar’ on routes 41, 42, 221, 222, X1 and street parking is available. Kindly be aware that no pets and no smoking are allowed.

Contact: Simar Nature Reserve, Triq il-Pwales, Xemxija. Tel: 7953 8122