Squatters have illegally fenced off protected pine trees at Dwejra Lines in Mġarr, prompting repeated complaints to authorities and police involvement to restore public access.

At the beginning of November, the Ranger Unit Malta reported to the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) that squatters attached a fence and wires to the protected pine trees at the popular Dwejra Lines in Mġarr. While the area is not a Natura 2000 site and camping is technically allowed, woodland regulations (SL. 549.123) still apply.

ERA informed the occupants that they had to remove all materials from the trees and respect the area. Instead, the squatters inserted poles into the ground and fenced off an even larger section.

A month later, the Ranger Unit had to contact ERA again, as the squatters had installed CCTVs in the trees and still maintained the fence.

The Rabat Police conducted a joint patrol with the Rangers and the squatter was informed by a Police Sergeant that this behaviour would not be tolerated. Despite this, the squatter remains on site, blocking public access according to the Ranger Unit. The Rabat Local Council Malta has now requested assistance from the Police Commissioner to evict the squatters.