Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1514782
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 JANUARY 2024 7 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 902. Is-Simar Nature Reserve NOW that winter is well under way, nature is set for the mild rig- ours of what we call the cold season! However mild our weather, changes are still evident. Most insects and reptiles hide away while the life-giving rain stimulates the growth of plants, the basis of all foodchains. And what better place to enjoy nature than in a nature reserve. Bordered by coastal development on one side and intensive agriculture on the other, BirdLife's nature reserve at Is-Simar in Xemxija is a green oasis that showcases how nature rewards us when given a chance and proper protection. Is-Simar is a mosaic of con- nected pools and canals, swathes of reedbed and groves of tamarisk and olive. With careful habitat management the site attracts more than 120 species of birds in any given year. Go visit some Sunday, entrance is free. Community Garden Session The Community Garden at Friends of the Earth Malta is meeting for its monthly session! This event will teach you the principles of climate-re- silient gardening. We have lots to get done in our veggie patch and wild garden. Join us to gain hands-on experience in crop growing, preparing the soil, pruning, composting/ vermiculture, creating a seed bank, bee- keeping, water conservation, planting crops/ tree saplings, and learning more about the world of gardening. There will be water, snacks, and teas/coffees for everyone – you're en- couraged to bring along some food to share after the session. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 779: Registration is not required, but we encourage you to sign up for the event at https://foemalta.org/event/20240127_ communitygarden/?fbclid=IwAR1qJoYIpY_N88puMwGrg- 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 Rhythms of the World On 13 February Place: Mediterranean Conference Centre St. Michael School will be celebrating its 35th anniversary. A variety show is being organised to commemorate this milestone. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member The SPMO harp & wind ensemble On 19 January Place: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Music by Georges Bizet, Lior Navok, Frances-Hoad Chery, Camille Saint Saens, Elisabeth Poston and others, played by a strikingly impressive, albeit unusual, combination of seasoned musicians, guaranteed to help you start the New Year with a mighty bang! A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Oppenheimer is one of the nominations for best film, as well as being nominated for 12 other awards. Barbie failed to receive a nomination for best film, despite going head-to- head at the box office and becoming the top grossing film of 2023. The English National Opera's musicians and singers have voted to go on strike in protest at a plan to cut jobs. Members of the company's orchestra, chorus and music staff will walk out on 1 February, the opening night of its latest run of The Handmaid's Tale. The winners are voted for by Sag-Aftra's membership of more than 119,000 actors. The Musicians Union and Equity said plans to axe 19 orchestra posts and make other staff members part time would threaten musicians' livelihoods.