Finnish Nature Week
Toast to the perch, otter, Eurasian oystercatcher, lesser butterfly orchid – and your favourite species
This year, the celebration focuses especially on animals, plants and fungi that are important to Finns, as well as the unique diversity of Finnish nature.
To honour Finnish Nature Day, in August Finns of different ages have been asked to tell stories about their favourite species. The variety of species mentioned in the stories is incredible. In addition to our national species bear and whooper swan, the list of favourite species includes spiders, earth worms, bumblebees, old-growth trees, plants that have a special fragrance at night and migratory birds arriving in the spring, Many favourite species are associated with stories and memories of beautiful moments in nature and the loved ones those moments were shared with.
You can read and share stories at yle.fi/aihe/luonto. You can also share your favourite species on your own social media channels (#lempilaji #minfavoritart).
The protector of Finnish Nature Day has been from the beginning the spouse of the president of the Republic, Jenni Haukio. She says her favourite species is the Eurasian oystercatcher which looks exotic, is easy to recognise, and likes to spend time both in the archipelago and in cities.
The last week of August is full of outdoor trips and events
On Finnish Nature Day, you can participate in organised trips to local nature, hug trees, exercise outdoors, do forest yoga, volunteer or simply enjoy nature.
Suomen Latu – The Outdoor Association of Finland is challenging all Finns to sleep outside. Thousand-star hotels are ready for guests in Nurmijärvi and Kannonkoski. Seitseminen and Hiidenportti are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their national parks. Finnish Nature Centre Haltia organises a family-friendly nature photo festival, organic farms host open houses, and local branches of numerous organisations arrange campaigns, events and outdoor trips. Many schools and kindergartens celebrate nature as part of their teaching activities for the whole week. The celebration of Finnish Nature Day has started to expand throughout the whole last week of August.
Finnish Nature Day can be celebrated simply by going outdoors alone or with friends to enjoy a packed lunch and the atmosphere. For many Finns, this has been the most important way to celebrate Finnish Nature Day.
• The aim is to increase the appreciation for nature and strengthen Finns’ relationship with nature in our urbanising society.
• Open to all who want to celebrate Finnish nature, non-political, non-commercial.