Volunteering

In previous years, CBDC had a number of office-based volunteers who supported the staff team. Most volunteers committed to between 3-7 hours a week. This might have been every week throughout the year or for a few months at a time for those studying. We are not currently providing this offer as most of our staff now operate remotely and so we are unable to provide the necessary training and support in the office. We are evaluating other, more field-based and/or engagement voluntary opportunities. We hope to have more news soon but if you would like to express an interest, do get in touch with the CBDC manager.

CBDC would like to thank all volunteers who have been involved in CBDC roles over the years – your contributions have proved to be incredibly valuable!

If you are keen to get involved in indoor natural history work, there may be something more suitable at Tullie House Museum. Local natural history societies are also keen for more members who can help deliver events, programming, web support and social media assistance so do get in touch with your local society.

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CBDC staff and volunteers enjoying a wet day out of the office.

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 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
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreMonday, April 20th, 2026 at 3:07am
If you love trees and want to find out more about tree nurseries, join us at Tebay this Friday for a tree growing session with Growing Well! Free session - all welcome but booking is required:
https://www.ticketsource.com/cumbria-ecoskills/from-seeds-to-trees/e-zkxkza
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreThursday, April 9th, 2026 at 1:32am
What's this bird?

Okay - this is an easy one. Even with a poor photo.

But if you don't know a mallard from a moorhen or are unsure how to tell a siskin from a greenfinch, we have a short morning course for you! Come along to the Introduction to Birds session on Saturday morning for a free introduction to bird identification and find out how you can improve your birding skills.

https://www.ticketsource.com/cumbria-ecoskills/introduction-to-birds/e-gppyjb
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreTuesday, April 7th, 2026 at 6:06am
Join the 'Introduction to Birds' session this Saturday for a free course on getting started with bird identification and recording. All welcome!

https://www.ticketsource.com/cumbria-ecoskills/introduction-to-birds/e-gppyjb
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreTuesday, March 17th, 2026 at 4:53am
We have a great training session this Friday focusing on Priority Habitats - what they are and what you need to know to survey and potentially manage them. The weather is forecast to be good so why not join us to explore a range of different habitat types?

More information and to book: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cumbria-ecoskills/identifying-priority-habitats/e-dyymjm