Environment

Cumbria's natural environment is amongst the finest in the country. The county contains the Lake District National Park, the largest national park in England and Wales, the Eden Valley and parts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines. Cumbria also has 150 miles of coastline including the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The diverse and beautiful nature of Cumbria’s natural landscape is one of the counties greatest assets. In 2009 41 million tourists visited Cumbria spending £2,071 million. 

For more detailed information about Cumbria's landscape visit Cumbria's Landscape

Cumbria's Wildlife

Extensive information about the wildlife of Cumbria is held by the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre (CBDC) hosted by Tullie House Museum. The information is based on over 400,000 sightings of wildlife in the county.

You can gain access to the information held by the CBDC, or submit your own wildlife sightings, by following the link below:

Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre

Cumbria's Historic Environment

Human settlement in Cumbria began at least 5,000 years ago, with strong evidence of human inhabitation during the neolithic period. Cumbria has a rich and varied historic environment with significant histrorical sites including Castlerigg stone circle near Keswick and Western sections of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

There are two databases containing detailed information about Cumbria’s historic environment. These can be accessed below:

Cumbria's Historic Environment Record (excluding Lake District National Park)

Lake District National Park's Historic Environment Record (external link)