As part of our continuous fight to save the 300 year old carob trees in Dingli, we asked for your help by sending your names as part of the Tree Protection Order filed by Moviment Graffitti.

Disappointingly, ERA decided that these ancient trees did not merit protection, citing reasons which we did not deem to be valid, as well as several points submitted as to why the trees should be saved that ERA did not even consider.

Therefore, we are appealing ERA’s decision for the reasons below

ERA’s response: “The trees mentioned are not linked to a specific cultural and/or historical event and not considered as a prominent landmark.”

Our response: The law mentions the criterion of trees having historical, cultural and landscape interest (amongst other criteria) not of having hosted a cultural or historical event underneath their branches.

ERA’s response: “The trees indicated do not constitute a particular landscape or a specific habitat type and the copse does not feature any pertinent diversity within its tree formation with no or limited underbrush and no diversity in woodland species.”

Our Response: The carobs are also a sanctuary, providing nesting and/or sheltering cavities for a huge number of fauna: birds, mammals, and insect species. Birds can be witnessed nesting amongst the thick foliage during the year, as well as other animals, where food is abundant to a wide range of biodiversity – insects, spiders and mites, reptiles, molluscs, worms, and some mammals too, which anyone could detect by spending some time inspecting the areas just below the trees. Bees may be seen in these magnificent trees. It is pertinent to note that among the trees facing the chop, there is a male species of bee which is scarce in the area, and without which propagation of the species would be seriously in jeopardy.

ERA’s response: “Carob trees do not have a restricted distribution in Malta”

Our response: The “Authority may  establish  an important site for any other specimen which merits protection”. It is submitted that the carob tree copse is such a site meriting protection. It should be highlighted that the Regulations do not exclude trees which do not satisfy the requirements laid down in Regulation 6 from being declared Tree Protection Areas.

In addition:

• The trees are well over 300 years old and were planted during the times of the Knights of St John;
• They lie adjacent to ODZ arable fields and provide essential nutrients to the soil where crops are grown;
• Their extensive root system contributes to reducing soil erosion which is essential for the nearby fields;
• There are numerous boreholes dug hundreds of years ago, which are entwined with the tree roots under the soil and which are still used to water fields. These would be in danger of irreparable damage if the trees were to be destroyed;
• They provide much-needed wind cover for nearby fields;
• The biodiversity that has evolved can never be replaced by planting young trees as compensation;
• The trees are next to a Scheduled Grade 1 church from the 1500s making them culturally and historically significant; 
• They represent one of the very few remaining wooded areas within Dingli, a rural village which is becoming increasingly urbanised. They also provide shade, shelter, and more to all the people who work and live in the area.

For these reasons, Moviment Graffitti is appealing ERA’s decision to request that these trees are given the protection they deserve.