An extensive bioengineering programme will form part of the newly-approved rehabilitation of Chadwick Lakes, as environmental authorities look to eradicate alien species and allow native habitats to thrive.

Ambitious restoration plans for the sensitive valley and watercourse will involve the elimination of several plants, including species of acacia and prickly pear, which have a negative impact on existing habitats.

At the same time, the plans will see the development of eight habitat types, some which already exist in the valley in some form, others that require the introduction of absent species to improve their structure, and some which will be established entirely from scratch.

Many of the plant species planned for introduction are rare, endangered or even extinct in the wild, while in some cases the new habitats will be the only ones of their type in Malta.

Apart from the clearing of vegetation and the introduction of new species, the planned bioengineering works will involve changes to the physical structure of the watercourse, altering depths and creating new banks to ensure the water-flow supports the new habitats and organisms.

The ecological restoration forms part of wider plans to upgrade the area, which were approved by the Planning Authority on January 9.

Some of the measures, although deemed acceptable in principle, are still subject to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and an approved management plan.

Environmental studies commissioned as part of the application by the national Water and Energy Agency found that the area was currently in a “deplorable” state.

Lack of maintenance and proper management over the years had led to a number of problems, the studies noted, including a reduced surface water retention capacity due to the accumulation of sediment and debris, a rapid growth of invasive and non-native plant species and the dilapidation of the retention walls.

Moreover, most of the original infrastructure designed by Lord Chadwick in 1884, has been left in a derelict state.

With Chadwick Lakes serving as a popular recreation area in winter, the studies found that trampling by visitors had placed a heavy strain on the area’s habitats, with evidence also found of barbeques, littering and illegal dumping.

The rehabilitation project will create a trekking trail alongside the valley bed, fenced in places to prevent visitors straying into sensitive areas, along with information panels and designated recreational areas.

An intrusive playground built in the 1990s in the centre of the valley bed will be removed, to be replaced with a new one which, after consultation with ERA, is intended to be designed and oriented toward a “rural adventure experience”, with minimal intervention and limited lighting.