Recording Wildlife

Tullie House museum has been cataloguing Cumbria's wildlife for over 100 years. CBDC's predecessor, the Natural History Records Bureau, was established in 1902 and is the oldest record centre in the country!

Alongside the museum's impressive collection of specimens, CBDC holds over 2.6 million wildlife records, many of which were gathered by independent recorders and members of the public. Our wildlife data is used by everyone from local researchers and students, to national policy-makers and environmental planners. By recording wildlife in Cumbria you help continue this important work and century-old tradition.

Submit a Record Tell us about what you have seen to help build up a comprehensive picture of Cumbia’s biodiversity.
Surveys If you have a passion for a particular group of plants or aninmals why not get involved in a national or local survey?
Getting Started If you are interested in wildlife and are considering recording read this section or contact our Recording Officer.
Resources CBDC has many online and practical resources including books and equipment to help you record.
Local Recording Groups There are a range of geographical and taxonomic groups who regularly meet in Cumbria. Joining a local recording group can help improve your recording skills through lectures and field trips.
Responsible Recording It is important to understand the law and be safe whilst you are enjoying your Recording.

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 CentreThursday, May 7th, 2026 at 3:08am
There are around 2,500 moths in the UK - from large and colourful hawkmoths to small LBJs*, Find out more at the 'Intro to Moths' course at Gosling Sike on 23rd May - last few places remaining.

All welcome.

https://www.ticketsource.com/cumbria-ecoskills/introduction-to-moths/e-aggego

#mothidentification #wildlifecourses

*Little brown ones
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreWednesday, May 6th, 2026 at 5:04am
Love bees? Find out more and improve your identification skills at this free session at Orton Market Hall on 22nd May. All welcome!

https://www.ticketsource.com/cumbria-ecoskills/introduction-to-bees/e-zeeoxr

#bees #beeidentification #wildlifecourses
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreSunday, May 3rd, 2026 at 4:55am
How do you tell a mouse from a shrew or a vole? Find out on the Cumbria Ecoskills short course looking at small mammals. Join us at Selsmergh Village Hall on Sunday 17th May for this free session.

All welcome!

https://www.ticketsource.com/cumbria-ecoskills/introduction-to-small-mammals/e-qmmdve

#smallmammals #wildlifecourses #mammalID
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreThursday, April 30th, 2026 at 4:59am
With the sun shining, there are plenty of butterflies on the wing! You might start to spot caterpillars soon too. Want a bit of help with your butterfly/caterpillar identification? We have a course for you! Join us on 15th May for a FREE half day session at Bothel Village Hall.

All welcome!

https://www.ticketsource.com/cumbria-ecoskills/introduction-to-butterflies/e-qmmdbe

#butterflies #identificationtraining #wildlifecourses
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreWednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 6:55am
#CityNatureChallenge takes place this weekend. While we don't have many cities in Cumbria, hamlets, villages and towns can all take part! What better way to celebrate #EarthDay2026...

Find out how to take part: https://www.citynaturechallenge.org/
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreWednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 6:42am