Renting pastures or fields on state-owned nature reserves
View connections →Pasture leasing for livestock owners or field leasing on nature reserves managed by Metsähallitus.
Published by: Metsähallitus · Government organisation
Description language: English
Coverage: Finland, excluding Åland
About this service
Description
Metsähallitus leases traditional rural landscape sites located within nature reserves to livestock owners for use as pastures. The main objective is to maintain biodiversity and improve habitats for species through grazing or mowing. The tenant receives a pasture area for their livestock, and Metsähallitus does not charge rent for the area. The tenant pays a one-time contract fee. The tenant may apply for support for management costs through the agri-environmental payment scheme. The lease period usually corresponds to the duration of the agri-environmental agreement, i.e. five years. There are also a few fields on nature reserves that are leased to farmers.
How to use it
More information and contact details for responsible staff can be found on the website.
Conditions
The tenant must follow the site’s management plan, apply an appropriate grazing intensity, and carry out necessary clearing. Fencing is generally the tenant’s responsibility. Detailed lease conditions are agreed upon in the contract. The rental price for fields is determined through competitive tendering and based on the general regional rental level. The lease period is typically five years. Priority is given to farmers committed to the agri-environmental support scheme. Fields are leased only for cultivation practices that do not pose a risk of soil contamination or cause other harm to nature or third parties. The fact that a field is located within a nature reserve and/or a Natura 2000 site may result in special conditions in the lease agreement.
Where and how to get help
Leasing land suitable for grazing · Website
The website provides instructions for those leasing pastures and fields on state-owned nature reserves.
Description: English · Service languages: Swedish, English, Finnish
Check the official service page for current hours, exceptions, identification requirements and further contact details.