Protection of plants and animals
In Sweden, any plant or animal that is in danger of extinction or plundering may be given protected status. This means that it is forbidden to pick, catch, gather, kill or in any other way injure the species in question. This is not meant to hinder farming or forestry, but it is expected that the greatest possible consideration for threatened or endangered species shall be taken in connection with any kind of land use.
The need for protection may apply to endangered species that are highly vulnerable if caught or gathered, as well as to species that are not so rare but popular to catch or gather. In some cases, species are protected by international agreements to which Sweden is a party, including those of the European Union, for example.
The Government assign protected status to species anywhere in the country.
At present, there are 300 species with protected status throughout the country, and an additional fifty in one or more counties.
The brochure "Protected species of plants and animals in Sweden" provides several examples of protected plants and animals in Sweden. The brochure is currently being updated and a new version will soon be available.
Basic consideration and the right of public access
In Sweden, everyone has the right of free access to nature. It is permitted to gather mushrooms, berries and flowers that do not have protected status. But there is always a responsibility to exercise care and consideration for people, wildlife and the natural environment.
It is not permitted to cut down trees or to break off twigs and branches on someone else‘s land. Neither does the right of public access include permission to dig up entire plant beds or to gather large quantities of moss and lichen.
Special regulations apply in nature reserves and other protected areas. Often, this includes prohibitions against gathering certain species, in addition to those that are protected nation-wide.
Contact: Marianne Wetterin, marianne.wettering(a)naturvardsverket.se
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The Species Protection Ordinance (2007:845) contains provisions governing capture, killing, taking from the wild, trade and other actions involving specimens of animal and plant species in need of protection.