Other Data Sources

To improve our data services, we work with local and national schemes to incorporate their records into the our database.

For some research projects and major developments it will be appropriate to contact such organisations separately. Please check the data licence when using any biological information as not all data providers give permission to use their records for research or commercial purposes.

We do not hold complete copies of all datasets relating to Cumbria, particularly formal recording and monitoring schemes. Some of this information is available from the NBN Atlas.  Please note we do not currently search the NBN as part of our data searches service.

Other data sources include:

The Wetland Bird Survey The primary source of detailed bird monitoring data on wetlands, including Cumbria’s significant estuaries and lakes.
British Trust for Ornithology Breeding Bird Survey and other bird surveys.
Walney Bird Observatory A long-running bird ringing station on Walney island in the south-west of Cumbria and also collates all bird records on the island.
BSBI Cumbria Botany Group Tetrad records post Flora of Cumbria (1996).
Cumbria Bird Club Records outside main atlas recording surveys.
Cumberland Bat Group May hold some extra records.
National Bat Monitoring Programme The Bat Conservation Trust may hold some extra records.
Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society (BWARS) For bees, wasp and ants national 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 CentreMonday, December 15th, 2025 at 11:11pm
Join our first winter webinar this evening at 7pm:

Recording winter birds with Martin Harris, CBDC Recording Officer.

Mulled wine and mince pie optional but very welcome!

Sign up for free here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cumbria-ecoskills/recording-winter-birds/e-qgerqp
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreMonday, December 15th, 2025 at 7:20am
CBDC's Challenge 365 is returning in 2026!

If you are looking for a challenge which will do something positive for nature, this is for you.

All you have to do is observe something. Every day. For one year. And tell us what you have seen.

https://www.cbdc.org.uk/recording-wildlife/challenge-365/
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreTuesday, December 9th, 2025 at 8:00am
Join us this time next week for a #webinar exploring winter birds in Cumbria. CBDC Recording Officer, Martin Harris, will talk about the species you can see across the county and how to record them. All welcome for the 7-8pm session!

Book your free place here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cumbria-ecoskills/recording-winter-birds/e-qgerqp
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreTuesday, December 9th, 2025 at 1:00am
#Raise Cumbria Community Forest are launching a neuroaffirming volunteer programme this January - and there are still a few days left to sign up. Find out more here:
https://www.raisecumbria.co.uk/volunteer

CBDC will be taking part with an introduction to wildlife recording!
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreWednesday, December 3rd, 2025 at 5:25am
Are you a farmer or landowner interested in recording the wildlife on your land holding? Information collected can support payment applications and other funding possibilities as well as new business opportunities (farm safaris?!). And can demonstrate the amazing work you are doing....

Join the free Cumbria Ecoskills session on 18th Feb to find out more.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cumbria-ecoskills/recording-wildlife-for-farmers-and-landowners/e-xoozqx
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreMonday, December 1st, 2025 at 3:18am
Can we start talking about Christmas presents now?!

Get something that will create new skills and potentially open new doors for you friend, family member or work colleague - a very cost effective place on a Cumbria Ecoskills session!

Hedges can be planted in many different environments - from farms to parks and gardens as well as community spaces. Learn the art of laying a hedge in this introductory session with expert hedgelayer, Lee Bassett. Or treat someone to a new skill!

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cumbria-ecoskills/hedgelaying-workshop/e-ermbox