Turnstones are sturdy migratory waders that winter on UK rocky shores and harbours, with welfare linked to undisturbed foraging and roost sites.
Turnstone welfare during UK winter depends on access to undisturbed rocky shore and harbour foraging habitat. Their tameness makes them vulnerable to disturbance from people and dogs at harbour walls. Persistent disturbance from harbours developed for tourism and recreation reduces accessible foraging time. Cold snaps that freeze rock pools reduce prey accessibility and increase energy demands. Their reliance on specific high-density foraging sites means that degradation or disturbance of key sites has concentrated welfare impacts on local wintering populations.