Surveys

Whilst we always welcome records of any species, we occasionally put out calls for records for particular species or taxa so that we can learn more about their distributions within the county, or at a particular site. See below for county-wide schemes.

National surveys also take place – some are time limited while others are rolling surveys. There is a list below of some of the main ones taking place annually and we will add more as we become aware of them! Let us know of any you are involved in that aren’t currently listed below.

County-wide Surveys and Recording Schemes

Cumbria Wild Watch

Take part over the last weekend of June every year. Record all the wildlife you see in Cumbria to help us to monitor changes over time. We need plants, animal and fungi observations so get recording.

Read more about Cumbria Wild Watch HERE.

Harvest Mouse Survey December 2020 – February 2021

CBDC and the Cumbria Mammal Group are looking for recorders to look out for harvest mice nests to help us improve our knowledge of the distribution of this elusive mouse.

National Surveys and Recording Schemes

There are lots of national schemes and we will add to these over time. Do let us know of any that we haven’t listed.

CBDC doesn’t always receive data from these surveys and recording schemes so if you are also able to share your Cumbrian observations with us, please do send a copy of the information you submitted (if it is possible to do this) to recordingofficer@cbdc.org.uk. Many thanks!

Big Garden Birdwatch

Taking place every January for over 40 years, this survey has helped the RSPB to monitor changes in some of more commonly occurring species. Find out how to take part HERE.

Big Butterfly Count

Butterfly Conservation orignise this event which tends to run over three weeks from mid-July each year. The count not only provides an indication of how UK butterflies are doing but also acts as a proxy for other biodiversity indicators. Find out more HERE.

Big Wasp Survey

A more recent national schemes, organised by academics at UCL and University of Gloucestershire due to the lask of wasp data available. The survey requires wasp trapping over two time periods. Find out more HERE.

Tick Surveillance Scheme

Running since 2005, this scheme aims to track the spread of the different tick species across the UK and their seasonality. It also monitors the introduction of new species. Find out more and how to take part HERE.

Report Asian Hornet Sightings

The first Asian hornet record in the UK was confirmed in September 2016. These hornets are very effective insect predators so pose a threat to UK insects such as honeybees. Find out how to report any sightings HERE.

Pond Watch

Organised by the British Dragonfly Society and taking place in late spring each year, you can report your sightings of dragon- and damselflies. Find out how to report any sightings HERE.

Follow us on Facebook or our other social media feeds to keep up to date with latest calls for records.

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 CentreMonday, May 19th, 2025 at 9:30pm
Job Opportunity:
Eden Rivers Trust is recruiting for a 2-day per week Project Assistant on the Access to Eden Project. Deadline is 27th May:
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreWednesday, May 14th, 2025 at 12:58am
CBDC are involved in many recording events this summer – and we’d like YOUR help with recording. If you can come along to one (or more) event(s) and help to record the wildlife you see, please do register your interest and we’ll get in contact with details about the session. All are in interesting locations – some with very few existing records.
Link to booking:
https://www.cbdc.org.uk/get-involved/recording-days/
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreTuesday, May 13th, 2025 at 4:22am
The Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy Consultation is open: https://cumbrialnrs.org.uk/public-consultation

Have your say before 22 June to help shape a positive future for nature in Cumbria.
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreMonday, May 12th, 2025 at 1:29am
The Growing Ecoskills in Cumbria project has arranged a series of training courses at venues across Cumbria this spring/summer. See the full programme and book your ticket here:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cumbria-ecoskills

The first course is on Wednesday 21st May 2025 at Orton Market Hall looking at developing self-guided wildlife walks - places available!
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreFriday, May 9th, 2025 at 12:00am
We’re looking forward to the Wild Weekend Bioblitz at Torpenhow tomorrow. Weather forecast is good so we should gather plenty of wildlife records!
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreThursday, May 8th, 2025 at 8:15am
Interested in creating Cumbrian wildlife walks in your local area? This training session might be of interest to you! Places remaining on 21 May at Orton Market Hall.
Booking here:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cumbria-ecoskills/t-pqnkdvd

Created for Orton Wildlife and Landscape (OWLs) group, the session will be of interest to other groups in Cumbria who want to create curated walks for their communities and visitors.