Title:  Land Reclamation

Location:  Different reclaimed areas in Malta (e.g. Cirkewwa, Marsascala, Msida and Bugibba).

Aims:

• To study the distribution of reclaimed areas in Malta

• To investigate the use of reclaimed areas in the present time.

  Equipment:

• Map of Malta

• Detailed site maps

• Old maps of the area (if possible)

• Camera

  Method:

  A)  The distribution of reclaimed land in Malta  

1. Using different types of maps, identify the areas in Malta that have been reclaimed.

2. Mark all these areas on your map entitled ‘Reclaimed Areas in Malta’.

3. Look carefully at this map and study the distribution of these areas.  These questions might help you:

• Where are these areas mostly found?

•  Is there a particular reason why they are distributed in this way?

4. Try to find information on how reclamation is done, and why it is done.  You can use different Geographical books and the Internet for reference.

 B)  The use of reclaimed land in Malta  

5. From all the reclaimed areas indicated on your map, choose 5-7 sites.

6. Go on site and investigate why were these areas reclaimed and what is their use now.

7. This list of uses of reclaimed lands can help you:

• Recreational,

•  Coastal protection,   

• Roads,

• Agricultural

8. Divide the different functions in categories and allocate a colouring to each category.

9. On your map, colour the reclaimed areas according to their use.

10. Have a good look at your map and analyse it.  Here is an example:

• Why were parts of Bugibba reclaimed for recreation and not for agricultural purposes?

Conclusion:

• Present all your data and analysis in a report.

• Pictures of reclaimed areas could be very adequate for the second part of your fieldwork.

  Further tips:  

• It would be a good idea if you carry out this project with other students.  You could divide Malta into sections.  Each student or pairs of students would study a particular area and then share the findings.

• Old maps can be used to show the difference in the coastline before and after reclamation was done.

Recommendations:

• If you have private transport it would be a good idea to take examples of reclaimed areas from all parts of Malta.  However, if you are using public transport, you can limit your study to parts of the Maltese coastline;

E.g. The S. E. coast can be studied (from Sliema to Marsascala or Birzebbuga)

E.g. The N.E. coast may include the areas from Bahar ic-Caghaq or Qawra to Mellieha or Cirkewwa,

• Whatever you choose, make a clear note in the     beginning of the report.  Ideally you also highlight the area chosen on a Map of Malta.