On Saturday, August 31, flags fly for the first annual Nature Day. More than 60 events are planned around the nation. The main festivities are at Haltia, the recently-opened Finnish Nature Centre in Nuuksio National Park in Espoo.
Those taking part include Environment Minister Ville Niinistö and filmmaker Marko Röhr. His feature-length nature documentary Metsän tarina_(The Story__of a__Forest_) will be shown at 1pm_._ The programme also includes arts and crafts for kids, stunt men, a dance performance and exhibitions as well as pancakes and coffee. The free event runs from 9.30am to 7pm.
In many places along the coast, the last Saturday of August is also feted by lighting bonfires on the beach in a tradition known as the Night of Ancient Bonfires.
To celebrate Finland’s nature in late summer, here is a selection of photos submitted recently to Yle by viewers in Central Finland. The photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.