Dunlin are the most abundant wintering wader on UK estuaries whose welfare depends on access to intertidal mudflats and protection from disturbance at roost sites.
Dunlin welfare on wintering estuaries is primarily affected by disturbance of high-tide roosts and loss of intertidal feeding habitat. Repeated flushing of roost flocks by dogs, recreational users or raptors forces energetically costly flights during a period when maintaining energy balance is critical. Intertidal mud quality determines invertebrate availability; pollution events can eliminate food sources.