Surveys

Whilst we always welcome records of any species, we occasionally put out calls for records for particular species or taxa so that we can learn more about their distributions within the county, or at a particular site. See below for county-wide schemes.

National surveys also take place – some are time limited while others are rolling surveys. There is a list below of some of the main ones taking place annually and we will add more as we become aware of them! Let us know of any you are involved in that aren’t currently listed below.

County-wide Surveys and Recording Schemes

Cumbria Wild Watch

Take part over the last weekend of June every year. Record all the wildlife you see in Cumbria to help us to monitor changes over time. We need plants, animal and fungi observations so get recording.

Read more about Cumbria Wild Watch HERE.

Harvest Mouse Survey December 2020 – February 2021

CBDC and the Cumbria Mammal Group are looking for recorders to look out for harvest mice nests to help us improve our knowledge of the distribution of this elusive mouse.

National Surveys and Recording Schemes

There are lots of national schemes and we will add to these over time. Do let us know of any that we haven’t listed.

CBDC doesn’t always receive data from these surveys and recording schemes so if you are also able to share your Cumbrian observations with us, please do send a copy of the information you submitted (if it is possible to do this) to recordingofficer@cbdc.org.uk. Many thanks!

Big Garden Birdwatch

Taking place every January for over 40 years, this survey has helped the RSPB to monitor changes in some of more commonly occurring species. Find out how to take part HERE.

Big Butterfly Count

Butterfly Conservation orignise this event which tends to run over three weeks from mid-July each year. The count not only provides an indication of how UK butterflies are doing but also acts as a proxy for other biodiversity indicators. Find out more HERE.

Big Wasp Survey

A more recent national schemes, organised by academics at UCL and University of Gloucestershire due to the lask of wasp data available. The survey requires wasp trapping over two time periods. Find out more HERE.

Tick Surveillance Scheme

Running since 2005, this scheme aims to track the spread of the different tick species across the UK and their seasonality. It also monitors the introduction of new species. Find out more and how to take part HERE.

Report Asian Hornet Sightings

The first Asian hornet record in the UK was confirmed in September 2016. These hornets are very effective insect predators so pose a threat to UK insects such as honeybees. Find out how to report any sightings HERE.

Pond Watch

Organised by the British Dragonfly Society and taking place in late spring each year, you can report your sightings of dragon- and damselflies. Find out how to report any sightings HERE.

Follow us on Facebook or our other social media feeds to keep up to date with latest calls for records.

Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre

The Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre at Tullie House Museum, Carlisle keeps wildlife information for the county of Cumbria. Tullie House Museum, in its role as a local natural history museum, has collected and disseminated records of wildlife in Cumbria since its inception in 1893. From the early 1990s the Museum has developed a computerised database of species and habitat records in Cumbria and has taken the central role in providing a local biodiversity data service for the county. This role was restyled as Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre (CBDC) in 2010, a not-for-profit organisation hosted by Tullie House Museum and advised by local stakeholders.
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreTuesday, April 1st, 2025 at 10:59pm
CBDC will be speaking at Bothel Community Wildlife Group next Tuesday, 8th April, ahead of the Bioblitz in May. Come along to find out more about recording, what makes a good record, how records are used to inform decision making across the county and what tools are available to help you on your recording journey! Naturalist Polly Pullar will be the main speaker of the evening....
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreMonday, March 31st, 2025 at 9:47pm
Looking forward to speaking @Tullie Lunchtime Talk today!
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreFriday, March 28th, 2025 at 10:55pm
First bluebell of the year!
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreFriday, March 28th, 2025 at 4:39am
We'll be speaking about Cumbria Wild Watch at the next @Tullie Free Lunchtime Talk so come along to find out more! 1pm on 1st April

Book your free place: https://tullie.org.uk/events/cumbria-wild-watch-free-lunchtime-talk/
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreTuesday, March 25th, 2025 at 10:02pm
The countdown to Cumbria Wild Watch 2025 begins today!

In three months time, the largest community science survey in Cumbria will take place. You can get involved by recording all the wildlife you see between 26-29 June 2025. So mark this weekend on your calendars and watch out for more information of how to take part over the coming weeks.
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreTuesday, March 25th, 2025 at 12:31am
It is officially spring and we are now looking forward to our recording days (and bioblitzes) this year. The programme is on our website and you can book a place/express an interest in attending these events - all are welcome to come along and practice your wildlife recording skills.

https://www.cbdc.org.uk/get-involved/recording-days/

More events will be added as they are confirmed.