A DATABASE of wildlife sightings in Fife has grown by more than 70,000 records in the last year.

This is hoped to benefit those that use the information, including conservation groups, and help to make sure decisions that affect local biodiversity are well-informed.

Councillor Jan Wincott, Fife Council’s Spokesperson for Environment and Climate Change, said: "I'd like to applaud everyone who records wildlife.

"Particular thanks go to the experts who help check the information, many of whom give up their free time to do this."

The milestone was reached by the Fife Nature Records Centre, part of Fife Council, aided by up to £10,000 worth of NatureScot funding.

Lindsay Bamforth, Fife Nature Information Officer, said: "We’d love more people to get involved.

"Beginners can join in; you don't have to be an expert.

"Wildlife recording apps like iRecord can help – and so can we!"

Ben Ross, NatureScot’s Head of Protected Areas, Innovation and Data, added: ’We're pleased to be supporting the records centre and look forward to seeing what they can achieve.’

For more information visit www.fife.gov.uk/fifenature or contact nature.info@fife.gov.uk