The prohibition areas consist entirely or partially of park areas located around Töölönlahti. Based on inspections carried out in the areas, bird feeding has caused the rat population of the park to increase significantly. There are several rat holes in the area, and rats can be seen in the daytime.
The bird feeding prohibition areas were selected on a health hazard basis. Rats can spread zoonotic diseases, i.e. diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people. The risk and probability of a health hazard caused by rats is increased by factors such as recurring sightings on several properties in the same area, several nest holes, and established routes used by rats that can be clearly seen on the ground, as well as sightings in winter, during which the population should be at its smallest. Furthermore, activities taking place in the park area, such as food operations in the summer season, are deemed to be sensitive to potential damage caused by rats. Signs indicating the feeding prohibition will be placed in the area.
In general, Environmental Services considers bird feeding to only be useful in the winter season, especially during snow. In spring, birds are able to find food more easily and feeding help is only needed in the event of a long late frost. Feeding birds during their nesting season can even subject the chicks to unbalanced nourishment, resulting in developmental disorders. In particular, the wing development of cygnets and goslings can suffer from “bun feeding,” i.e. an unbalanced diet of low-protein food.
In Helsinki, bird feeding prohibition areas are usually small. There are also feeding spots and devices provided by people in the vicinity of the larger-than-average Töölönlahti feeding prohibition area: a waterfowl feeding spot in Tokoinranta and bird feeders and other small-scale feeding activities for small birds.
The Töölönlahti park environment is a highly popular recreation area among Helsinki residents and tourists alike. The area has plenty of visitors, particularly during events. Hesperianpuisto Park, Hakasalmenpuisto Park and Töölönlahdenpuisto Park are central and busy park areas, as well as popular exercise, leisure activity and meeting places all year round. Hesperianpuisto Park and Hakasalmenpuisto Park are also among the city’s valuable environments in public areas, and they are part of a historical and valuable set of parks. Additionally, Töölönlahdenpuisto Park features a children’s playground and food vendors in the summer season.
Environmental Services has previously prohibited bird feeding in ten market square areas in Helsinki on 21 December 2021.
