Tampere Bans Tree Felling During Bird Nesting Season, Urges Caution April–July

Residents and contractors must avoid disturbing nesting birds across the city during the breeding season, generally from early April through the end of July. Tree felling is prohibited from 1 April to 31 July. Don't cut trees during that period.

Most of Finland's breeding bird species are protected under the Nature Conservation Act; their nests and eggs may not be damaged. Nesting protection also covers some species that are otherwise unprotected, such as herring gulls, fieldfares, crows, rooks and magpies.

Birds that return to the same nesting sites, such as swallows, and trees used by raptors for nesting are protected year-round. Loons and other diving birds are especially sensitive during incubation. Some gulls — including black-headed and common gulls — often nest on building roofs in Tampere, which can delay roof repairs; deterrents can be used to prevent unwanted rooftop nesting.

Gulls and crows can act aggressively in late spring when flightless chicks are on the ground. Physical attacks are rare. Simple protections — caps, bike helmets or umbrellas — are usually sufficient. If you find a chick on a roadway, move it a short distance to safety.

By law, dogs must be leashed in populated and rural areas from 1 March to 19 August, and cats should not be allowed to roam unsupervised. Shoreline maintenance and brush clearance should be done outside the nesting season — either finish before nesting begins or start after it ends.

Further information: [email protected]. The guidance comes from the City of Tampere.