Cumbria Wild Watch

Join Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre for Cumbria Wild Watch 2025 – a Cumbria-wide wildlife survey taking place 26-29 June 2025. By taking part, you can help us understand what wildlife we have in Cumbria!

An Introduction to Cumbria Wild Watch

Observe the wildlife in your garden, park, school, on a walk or at an event (we’ve listed a few below). Record what you see and then send your records to Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre. It is that simple.

We suggest observing wildlife for an hour during 26-29 June 2025 but you can spend a few minutes to a whole day recording if you prefer. Do as much, or little, as you want. You can record all plants (trees, shrubs, annuals, mosses – everything), animals (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, all invertebrates) or fungi. Common species are absolutely fine – we don’t just want rare or uncommon observations. The only records we don’t want are pets, livestock (cows, sheep, horses etc.) and humans. Each record should include WHAT was seen, WHERE it was seen (be as specific as possible), WHEN it was seen and by WHOM. We strongly suggest downloading one of the free recording apps, iNaturalist or iRecord, and testing them out before the Watch.

For more information about wildlife recording and Cumbria Wild Watch:

  • ‘Resources‘ pages where you will find a short introductory film about recording and some useful information on using recording apps, especially iNaturalist, with a 30 second video showing how to record an observation using the app.
  • Read the blog from last year which describes how to take part in Cumbria Wild Watch.
  • Watch the webinar recording (running time under 30 minutes) available below.
  • Help spread the word by downloading and printing the Cumbria Wild Watch poster for your community noticeboard. 
  • Find out what happened in 2024: summary report.
  • Send us a record using our online submission form.
  • Download a spreadsheet if you want to make lots of records!
  • Download and use iNaturalist or iRecord to get recording on your smart phone.

Events listing:

As well as taking part in your local green space, why not join in an organised event. If your event isn’t listed – get in touch.

  • Celebrating Swifts is being organised by Penrith Swift Group and will take place in the Swifts Nature Reserve in Carlisle on 28th June (first day of Swift Awareness Week), from 10am to 4pm. North Cumbria RSPB local group will lead walks to view the birdlife and some of the swift nest boxes we have installed.  CWT will organise bug and moth identification. There will be swift themed crafts and games for children. This event is supported by Cumberland Council. Further details from susanrowlands1@hotmail.co.uk  

Join a CBDC event (all 10am-4pm unless otherwise stated):

  • 27 June, Keswick Bioblitz. A small site in the centre of Keswick, Elizabeth’s Wood is a new community woodland and greenspace.  Please contact recordingofficer@cbdc.org.uk if you would like to come along.
  • 28 June. Whitehaven Coast Recording Day. In conjunction with the National Trust, recording the coastal meadows. Please contact recordingofficer@cbdc.org.uk if you would like to come along.
  • 28 June, Festival of the Lake at Windermere Jetty Museum, Bowness-on-Windermere. An introduction to recording.
  • 29 June, Wild Wigton Bioblitz. Wildlife recording in Throstle Park in the centre of Wigton, in conjunction with Wigton for Wildlife. Please contact recordingofficer@cbdc.org.uk if you would like to come along.

Send your records to CBDC:

There are different ways to submit your wildlife records:

Find out more:

Watch the recording from the webinar here (running time: 30 minutes) of see the slides from the webinar in 2024: