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 CentreThursday, November 2nd, 2023 at 1:18am
Our latest newsletter is now out! In it, you'll find: Cumbria Recorders' Conference update and booking, taxon group review volunteers sought, and much more. Access it from our website: https://www.cbdc.org.uk/about-us/newsletters/
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreSunday, October 15th, 2023 at 8:53pm
Hospice at Home needs your help in making wreaths. Any farmers, etc out there that would like a holly bush trimmed for free please see the link below.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=823064153160316&id=100063702169600
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreFriday, September 29th, 2023 at 10:21pm
Our latest newsletter has been published today! Thanks to all who contributed content and images, including this great image from Chris Arthur.
You can sign up to receive the monthly newsletter at our website or visit the newsletter page to view there: https://www.cbdc.org.uk/about-us/newsletters/
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreThursday, September 28th, 2023 at 11:12pm
Everyone can do something for nature and it need not take too much time. When you are out and about this weekend, record what nature you see (trees, other plants, birds, mammals, inverts, fungi), where and when - then send to your local records centre. For Cumbria - that's us!

#StateOfNature #MakingDataWorkForNature #RestoreNatureNow
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreMonday, September 18th, 2023 at 1:04am
Great to see the results of the #BigButterflyCount. Just from personal observation, there seem to have been lots of butterflies this year - including this week on this Hylotelephium!

A reminder that if you have news for the CBDC newsletter, please send in by 26th September and share across the Cumbria wildlife recording community.
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreThursday, August 31st, 2023 at 3:37am
Calling all #ecologists, #planners, #developers - anyone involved in #ecologicalimpactassessments:
If you have surveyed wildlife in #cumbria, did you know that you can share your survey results with us to help inform others across the county? Make the most of your data!
https://www.cbdc.org.uk/recording-wildlife/share-your-records/