PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS Works underway to create an accessible walking trail at Victoria Lines

The Minister for the Environment, Miriam Dalli together with Ambjent Malta, the Ramblers Association, and the Għargħur Local Council visited the ongoing restoration and improvement works on the Victoria Lines. This work will lead to more accessible trail, starting from Fomm ir-Riħ to Madliena, thus becoming the first national trail.

“Many people already appreciate the Victoria Lines and others have heard about this place. Through this work, we are creating Malta's first accessible national walking trail. This effort is important because it allows today's and tomorrow's generations to enjoy our country's environmental and historical heritage. We should be proud that our country has an attraction like the Victoria Lines that is appreciated by so many who visit. It's important that we make the best use of these natural spaces and, above all, take care of them," said Minister Miriam Dalli.

In 2022, a collaboration between Ambjent Malta, the Ramblers Association, and Friends of the Victoria Lines Trail led to targeted interventions aimed at opening sections of the trail and improving accessibility along the Victoria Lines route. These works include cleaning, installation of signs, and placing picnic benches for the comfort of visitors. Invasive alien species are also being removed to preserve the local ecosystem.

Josianne Muscat, Director at Ambjent Malta, stated that “these efforts include the removal of illegally dumped and domestic waste. Pruning has also been undertaken to make the trail more accessible, and various signs have been installed to serve as guides. We appeal to the public to help take care of this environment."

Weekly inspections and maintenance interventions are being carried out to ensure the trail remains free of waste and hazards.