Nature Reserves

There are more than 10 nature reserves in Stockholm's Archipelago with special rules. Some of these rules involve limiting the Right of Public Access. In general the following applies in these areas:

• Dogs are to be kept on a lead. From 1^st March to 20^th August dogs are not allowed to run free. At other times of the year, you must keep control of your dog so they don't injure or disturb wildlife. If you visit areas with free-grazing livestock, please show extra care!
• You may only light a fire in designated spots.
• Entry may be totally forbidden in areas designated as bird sanctuaries. This is normally during spring and summer when the birds are nesting. Check signs and the sea chart before going ashore.
• Show care around farmland not to damage newly sown crops or disturb livestock.
• All littering is prohibited. Glass, cans, and bottle-tops can injure both people and animals and plastic bags can cause great suffering if swallowed by an animal.
• Certain plants in Stockholm County are protected. They may not be picked or damaged. These include all orchids, kidney wort, pasque flower, ivy and mistletoe.
• Some plants may be picked but may not be dug up or picked for sale, for example, cowslip, lily of the valley and all lycophyta types.
• All wild birds and mammals (including bats) and their eggs and nests are protected, with the exception of those that may be hunted according to hunting laws.
• All frogs, toads and lizards in Sweden are protected. The most common species, slow-worms, viviparous (or common) lizards, common newts, common frogs, moor frogs and common toads may be lifted and studied but not removed. It is also permitted to take home roe or fry to study their development but they must be returned later.
• All species of snake are protected.

Local rules in every nature reserve are shown on notice boards. You can also read more on the website of the County Administrative Board http://www.ab.lst.se/natur.