Recording Wildlife

Tullie House museum has been cataloguing Cumbria's wildlife for over 100 years. CBDC's predecessor, the Natural History Records Bureau, was established in 1902 and is the oldest record centre in the country!

Alongside the museum's impressive collection of specimens, CBDC holds over 2.6 million wildlife records, many of which were gathered by independent recorders and members of the public. Our wildlife data is used by everyone from local researchers and students, to national policy-makers and environmental planners. By recording wildlife in Cumbria you help continue this important work and century-old tradition.

Submit a Record Tell us about what you have seen to help build up a comprehensive picture of Cumbia’s biodiversity.
Surveys If you have a passion for a particular group of plants or aninmals why not get involved in a national or local survey?
Getting Started If you are interested in wildlife and are considering recording read this section or contact our Recording Officer.
Resources CBDC has many online and practical resources including books and equipment to help you record.
Local Recording Groups There are a range of geographical and taxonomic groups who regularly meet in Cumbria. Joining a local recording group can help improve your recording skills through lectures and field trips.
Responsible Recording It is important to understand the law and be safe whilst you are enjoying your Recording.

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, December 7th, 2023 at 7:24am
We've been a bit quiet lately... So catch up with our latest news in our fresh-off-the-press newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/2290189d91a7/cbdc-newsletter-dec23

Why not sign up via our website to receive this regular news update about Cumbrian wildlife recording? Scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe.
https://www.cbdc.org.uk/
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.