It was decided to start the works in early September, well before the rainy season in order to avoid any risks of flooding disrupting our plans. Works started as scheduled with the excavation of the foundation being carried out in two days. This was the prelude to the laying of the concrete platform – a must considering that the sub terrain was mostly clay. The construction of the platform meant truckloads of fine stone chippings, were thrown into the area and then once metal beams inserted too the whole structure was compacted using a roller. At the end cement was laid above the structure and left for two weeks for total drying and settling.

In December work on the actual building was started and after a short break for the Christmas period the whole structure was in place in shell form by mid January.

What followed were embellishment works on the area in front of the reception centre so that the scares of the machinery were removed. The nature trail had wooden railings fixed and trees and shrubs planted to give the whole place a fresher greener look. The final chapter of the reception centre saw us applying the final touches in the form of tiling, plastering, painting, aperture fittings and basic furnishings inside. On the 31st October 2005 the interpretative centre was officially opened to the public in a short ceremony headed by BirdLife Malta president, Mr. Joseph Mangion.

Thanks to the building of the interpretative centre school children visiting the reserve can now enjoy a proper lesson in environmental awareness and appreciation, whilst the reserve is also open to the public on Sundays.

Image Gallery