Ambjent Malta will commence with works on a new visitors’ centre for families and all those who visit Buskett gardens.
The demolition, construction and finishing works of the visitors’ centre is set to start soon and once completed, this visitors centre will serve as a hub where information on Buskett as well as on the flora and fauna found in this area will be available. This centre will be equipped with sanitary facilities, CCTVs and a security system.
Ambjent Malta officials are currently busy conducting several interventions such as corrective pruning on various trees. This procedure is done to promote health growth by removing dead and dying branches. Moreover, works also include daily routine work such as cleaning and grass cutting.
Ambjent Malta has also started installing new signs at Buskett which will provide direction to visitors. The estimate investment for the demolition, construction and finishing works of the visitors’ centre is €244,000.
Works on the Vaulted Grotto — which is a landmark in Buskett left to us by the Grandmasters of the Order of Saint John — are also ongoing. Regretfully, throughout the years this has undergone structural damages and thus, Ambejnt Malta are working to restore this landmark structure through an investment of €323,000.
The elements of the Grotto were mapped electronically to retain the structure’s feature elements.
The pivotal aspects of the consolidation include|:
(i) the exposure of the vault right above the grotto and measures to avoid further deterioration of the vault.
(ii) structural pinning of vertical elements to enhance the structure’s stability.
Ancillary works include restoration of masonry fabric, and Grotto fountain restoration works.
Buskett has a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) status, which is popular with both Maltese and foreigners, particularly in winter. Buskett, and the area around it, is also important as a concentration point for birds of prey, many of which are of international importance. This has allowed the area to receive designation both as an SAC and an SPA.
The area also hosts a cave: l-Għar tal-Inkwiżitur.
61% percent of the SAC, or 1,490,000m2, consists of agricultural land, most of which is irrigated.
