The way that County Wildlife Sites (CWS) are identified, selected, monitored and protected is through Cumbria Local Sites Partnership. Cumbria Wildlife Trust administers the system on behalf of the partnership. Other members include Cumbria County Council, Lake District National Park Authority, District Councils, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency, National Trust, and Tullie House Museum.

Potential sites are initially identified through the study of existing habitat survey data and aerial photos. Site visits are then carried out by an experienced ecological surveyor who records wildlife habitats and species found on the site. Following the survey, the results are then assessed against strict selection criteria by an expert panel of ecologists (comprising representatives from the different partnership organizations); the full set of guidelines used for selection can be downloaded below. Those sites meeting the necessary standard are selected as County Wildlife Sites. Landowners receive copies of survey results and advice about sympathetic management. Existing sites are resurveyed when information is out of date, typically within ten years.

Download - Guidelines for selection of County Wildlife Sites