No-entry signs blocking the public from entering various areas in the countryside, some leading to the foreshore, are “mushrooming” across the island spurring environmental lobbyists to call for stronger laws safeguarding people’s right to enjoy Malta’s limited nature areas. Some of the “no entry” and “private property” signs that recently cropped up in areas like Wardija, Fomm ir-Riħ and Kunċizzjoni are believed to be illegal. “Over the last months, illegal closures of country paths have exploded rapidly and pervasively,” said Astrid Vella, from environmental NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar. She said this had a major impact on people who wanted to walk in the countryside, as alternative routes are not always available. Ingram Bondin from the Ramblers Association agreed: “We are gravely concerned about the closure of countryside paths, many of which have been used by the public for many years. We call on the government to legislate a new right of way law which marries orderly access to the countryside with the need of the public at large to access nature. This is the only way to avoid growing frustration and conflict.” Vella added that this was particularly detrimental in this...
