Sanderlings are winter visitors to UK sandy beaches, running at the wave edge to catch invertebrates, with their welfare shaped by beach conditions and disturbance.
Sanderlings on sandy beaches must feed almost continuously in cold weather to maintain body temperature. Dogs flushing sanderlings repeatedly in winter cause disproportionate energy expenditure. Seasonal dog control on key wintering beaches directly protects sanderling welfare and the wider shorebird community using these habitats.