Wildlife

Wild Dunlin Breeding Upland Welfare

Dunlin also breed on upland bogs and moorland in summer. Their breeding welfare depends on undisturbed boggy habitat.

Key Facts

Dunlin breed on blanket bog and wet heather moorland across northern UK
They are ground nesters vulnerable to disturbance and predation
Drainage of upland bogs has reduced breeding habitat
Chicks are precocial and leave the nest within hours of hatching
Breeding populations have declined in many upland areas

Welfare Considerations

Dunlin breeding on drained or disturbed upland bogs face habitat degradation that reduces food availability and nesting success. Ground-nesting chicks exposed to predation suffer acutely. Bog restoration that maintains appropriate wet conditions supports dunlin breeding welfare.

What You Can Do

Support upland bog restoration through RSPB and Wildlife Trusts
Record dunlin breeding through BTO BirdTrack in upland areas
Advocate for upland peatland protection that benefits breeding waders