Wildlife

UK Common Redshank and Dunlin Estuary Welfare

Welfare of redshanks and dunlin in UK estuaries and their dependence on mudflat productivity.

Key Facts

Estuarine mudflats support enormous numbers of invertebrates supporting millions of waders
Dunlin probe mud with sensitive bill tips detecting prey by touch
Redshanks watch for prey visually as well as probing in mud
Both species are sensitive to estuary disturbance and need calm high-tide roost sites
Climate change is affecting prey distribution and availability in UK estuaries

Welfare Considerations

Individual redshanks and dunlin depend on productive mudflats and undisturbed roost sites, with estuary management and pollution control delivering direct welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support estuarine conservation organisations protecting mudflat habitats
Respect wader roost sites by maintaining distance during high tide
Advocate for estuarine site protection from development and pollution