Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1421642
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 OCTOBER 2021 9 ALMANAC Fast art Nature Notebook 785. Għadira Nature Reserve YOU really should visit Ghadira nature reserve one of these days. Now that we've had some rain, the lake has started to expand and there's sprouting greenery all along the nature trail. The scent from myriad golden samphire (M. xorbett) flowers fills your nostrils and tells you unequivocally: this is coast! Freshly-arrived robins (M. pitirross) are very vocal as they stake out territory for winter, and from the birdwatching hide you could maybe spot a little grebe (M. blonġun zghir) diving for fish. Insect life is very visible, with hon- ey-bees and droves of dragonflies zooming to and fro looking for a nice watery spot where to lay their eggs. I could go on, but I'd rather you go discover the place for yourself. And remember: it's free. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 677: Subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated – www. foemalta.org/support Stories of Hope and Solidarity - Permaculture and Community Cohesion THIS is a true story of a nature-connected priest creating a welcom- ing community space in Malta together with young people. CLIMATE is getting hotter and drier. Rampant construction has destroyed green spaces. Mark, a Franciscan monk, wanted to protect the island's environment as well as provide a refuge for young people who were struggling to cope. Together with some young Maltese at risk of exclusion, Mark re-wilded fields and urban spaces and creat- ed permaculture gardens. The connection with nature had a healing effect on land and people. This way, formerly excluded youth be- came creators of a sustainable community and a more peaceful and nature-conscious Malta. They recently started their own NGO IN- TEKO to continue with the promotion of integral ecology in Malta. Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this FIERI By Cirque Du Soleil Date: 25 November - 19 December Place: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to announce that Malta —a destination of choice in Europe— will be the first European country to host a new Cirque du Soleil show post lockdown. The new show, which will feature the same signature style acrobatics and visual artistry that fans worldwide have come to expect and appreciate, will be tailored exclusively for Malta, celebrating the country's singular cultural diversity and history. FIERI by Cirque du Soleil is an uplifting journey inspired by the cultural roots of Malta. Jade Zammit Balluta Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Medium: Ink on Paper Instagram: @_jade_zammit_ Illustrated works by Malta Community of Illustration members