The dunlin is the most abundant wader on UK estuaries in winter, with populations from multiple breeding areas aggregating on critical coastal feeding sites.
Dunlin welfare depends on the productivity and security of both Arctic and subarctic breeding grounds and UK estuarine wintering sites. Climate change is degrading Arctic breeding habitat through permafrost thaw and vegetation change. On UK estuaries, industrial development and coastal squeeze reduce intertidal feeding area. High-tide roost disturbance from raptors, dogs, and recreational activities causes repeated energy-expensive flushing. Pollution events on estuaries affect invertebrate prey communities. Coordinated management of key Ramsar wetland sites and designation of marine protected areas that include intertidal habitat are critical welfare-positive interventions.