[1] The island was purchased by the government of Norway in 1898 and it was used for a "special school home for neglected boys".

Bastøy bay and Bastøykalven in the north of the island are public open spaces and can be used for swimming and boating.

[1] All animal and plant life is protected in the Bastøy landscape conservation area.

In reality, it applies to the whole island, but the main nature reserve covers the Buvika/Rødskjær wetland area.

In total, 315 different plant species have been registered on the island, including Pulsatilla pratensis, spring onion, and dragon's head.