White-fronted geese wintering in the UK require undisturbed feeding on traditional sites where their welfare depends on agricultural grassland management.
Wintering white-fronted geese must accumulate sufficient fat reserves for spring migration and breeding - daily feeding quotas must be met to maintain energy balance in cold weather. Disturbance from shooting or other human activity reduces feeding efficiency and forces costly flight responses. Protected wintering sites where geese can feed undisturbed provide the welfare foundation for successful migration and breeding in the following season.