Habitat Data

Cumbria has the most diverse range of habitats of any English county, with all 24 priority habitat classifications represented. Over one third of all Cumbrian land, including the estuarine mud-flats, has been classified as priority habitat. Section 41 of the 2006 NERC Act (‘Habitats of Principle Importance in England’) maps out and designates priority habitat areas.

Cumbria contains a significant share of England’s total priority habitat land. For example, Cumbria is home to 84% of England’s total Heath and Willow scrub habitat, 59% of Limestone Pavement, 45% of Lowland Raised Bog, 44% of Upland Flushes, 25% of Upland Hay Meadows, 23% of Upland Calcareous Grassland, 22% of Saltmash, and 22% of Blanket Bog.

Read more:
Priority Habitats in Cumbria, 2014 (PDF)

Priority Habitat Inventory

CBDC holds a copy of Natural England’s Priority Habitat Inventory document, and provides PDF maps of the habitats around a site as part of our Data Services. We also hold additional data on Sabellaria alveolata reefs and a later reedbed survey of the county, which are added to the Natural England layer. The vector layer is then included in the Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base (CBEB) layers for partner organisations.

Phase 1 Habitat Survey of Cumbria 1983-1987

The Habitat Survey of Cumbria was carried out between 1983-87 to the standard Phase 1 Nature Conservancy Council method. The resulting habitat maps were produced at a 1:10000 scale, with commentary (‘target notes’) for particular locations briefly providing additional information on habitats and plant species. The information was collated and presented in Wildlife Habitat in Cumbria (1990), edited by Kelly and Perry. CBDC can provide scanned maps of the areas and target notes, if required. The raster layer and target notes are included in the CBEB layers for partner organisations.

Habitat Statements

Cumbria specific context statements for planning and development are freely provided to all as part of the Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base, which covers all priority habitats in Cumbria except for the ‘arable field margins.’

View Cumbria Habitat Statements

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.