Summer and the coronavirus have inspired people to go to the nature and summer cottages. In fact, people now appreciate nature more than ever.
Everyman’s rights guarantee that everyone has the right to enjoy nature. Nevertheless, the police want to remind you that the rights also come with responsibilities.
“You must not disturb others or cause damage, disturb nesting birds or game animals, or fish or hunt without a permit,” Environmental Crime Prevention Coordinator Riku Lindqvist , National Bureau of Investigation, reminds people of the limitations on everyman’s rights.
In particular, he stresses that you must not throw away rubbish in the nature. Among other things, rubbish poses a danger to the life of the wild animals that eat it.
“The police may intervene in littering. A summary penal fee of one hundred euros may be issued for littering,” Lindqvist says.
Those going to the summer cottage need to learn about the regulations
Those going to the summer cottage also need to remember their duties.
“Many municipalities with lots of cottages have started to require a property-specific waste container for mixed waste. As a rule, disposing of waste independently by burning it and burning waste in an open fire is prohibited. You need to contact the authorities of the municipality, in which your cottage is located, and find out what the municipal waste management regulations and other restrictions are,” Lindqvist says.
He also reminds people that there are strict rules on what you can and cannot do without a permit when working on shores in the summer. For example, the approval of the authorities is always required for dredging or building a breakwater.
Everyman’s rights in a nutshell
You may
• walk, ski or cycle in areas outside private gardens and land that is in a specific use (such as cultivated fields and plantations)
• stay for a short period in any area where access is otherwise allowed (for example, put up a tent, if is not too close to people's homes)
• pick wild berries, mushrooms and flowers
• fish with a rod and line, and through a hole in the ice in the winter
• move on the water or ice
You may not
• disturb other people or damage the environment
• disturb nesting birds or game
• cut down or damage trees
• collect moss, lichen, soil or wood
• disturb the privacy of homes
• litter
• drive a motor vehicle off the road without the landowner’s permission
• fish and hunt without the appropriate permits.
