Since 1960 the number of year-round residents on the Falsterbo peninsula has increased nearly ninefold, from fewer than 900 to about 8,000. As the built-up areas expanded, the open spaces became increasingly hemmed in. Måkläppen was the only nature protection area in the 1960s.
From the late 1960s a host of new nature reserves were declared, thanks largely to lobbying by local people. Examples include the heath at Skanörs Ljung (1969), Ängsnäset (1984), Eskilstorps ängar/holmar (1972) and Flommen (1981). Nowadays there are ten mainland reserves and one marine reserve in the Vellinge municipality. Additionally, a new nature reserve including the whole Foteviken area is on its way.
The nature reserves and their rules were created for the protection of habitats, plants and animals. Humans should consider themselves as guests in the nature reserves.
General rules:
- It is your duty to inform yourself about the rules of the nature reserves.
- Disturbance of the wildlife is not allowed. Therefore you should stick to tracks and footpaths.
- Flower picking or digging up plants is not allowed.
- Camping and overnight caravan parking is not allowed.
- Do not litter or start fires!
- Dogs must always be kept on a leash 1 March-20 August (Game Act).
- Dogs must always be kept on a leash throughout the year wherever there are grazing cattle.
- Jet skiing is not allowed anywhere around the Falsterbo peninsula.
- Wind and kite surfing are not allowed in the nature reserves, except west of the southern Canal basin.