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, January 20th, 2025 at 6:27am
Last chance to register for the webinar:
Updating Cumbria’s County Wildlife Sites

Tomorrow at 6:30pm.

A golden opportunity to find out more about the project, County Wildlife Sites and important habitat in Cumbria. Come along!

To register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmc0gvIgFRX4DVhlI-042B18KZJ_TOis8nqtAFzShww7M0zg/viewform
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreWednesday, January 8th, 2025 at 1:29am
@RHS Science and Collections Summer Studentships - apply by 31 Jan 2025 for an undergrad research opportunity including data collection on urban tree planting!
https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/qualifications-and-training/work-based-training/science-and-collections-summer-studentships
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreSunday, January 5th, 2025 at 1:12am
12/12 days of Christmas:
For the twelfth day, we wanted to share the county flower of Cumbria, Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris) or ‘Bog Star’, seen here as wall art in Whitehaven….. Not in flower just yet but look out for it in the summer in damp places across Cumbria.
Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter, sent out every two months with news, events, stories and other useful info about wildlife recording!

https://www.cbdc.org.uk/
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreSaturday, January 4th, 2025 at 1:08am
11/12 days of Christmas:
Cumbria Wild Watch 2025
Get recording for the big Cumbrian recording event of the year – 26-29 June 2025
Help us to better understand the wildlife of Cumbria – now and for future generations!
https://www.cbdc.org.uk/get-involved/cumbria-wild-watch/
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreFriday, January 3rd, 2025 at 12:59am
10/12 days of Christmas:
Join the Bothel Community Wildlife Group's bioblitz this May, supported by CBDC and many others. A 24 hour event - with camping at the farm.

See https://www.cbdc.org.uk/get-involved/bioblitz/ for more information
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreThursday, January 2nd, 2025 at 1:21am
9/12 days of Christmas:
Find out more about the Cumbria County Wildlife Sites (CWS) Project on Tuesday 21st January at 6:30pm in a free webinar.

The project is looking to survey CWS across the county to find out more about them - and there are over 1600 sites!

Meet the team and find out how you could get involved:
https://www.cbdc.org.uk/get-involved/winter-webinars/