Wildlife

UK Dunlin and Knot Winter Shore Welfare

Conservation and welfare of dunlin and knot in UK estuaries and coastal habitats in winter.

Key Facts

UK estuaries host internationally important numbers of dunlin and knot in winter
Knot arrive from Siberian breeding grounds in vast flocks in autumn
Dunlin are the most abundant wader in UK estuaries during winter
Both species are extremely sensitive to disturbance at high tide roost sites
Climate change is affecting prey availability and distribution for wintering waders

Welfare Considerations

Individual dunlin and knot depend on productive estuarine habitats and undisturbed roost sites, with estuary protection and management delivering direct winter welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Wildlife Trust estuarine conservation programmes
Respect high tide wader roost sites and avoid disturbing roosting flocks
Advocate for estuarine site protection from development