FIFE Council wants the public to help support conservation and save a native species by taking part in a wildflower survey. 

They’re looking for local residents to assist them in finding out more about the wild bluebells growing throughout the Kingdom.

Wildflowers have been used by the local authority's Parks and Open Spaces team to help spruce up areas in Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Cardenden and Kelty.

The flowers are a familiar sight to welcome the start of spring, but the native bluebell is under threat from a Spanish variety introduced as a garden plant.

A new project run by Fife Nature Records Centre and the council’s biodiversity team will take a closer look at the flowers and map out where the native and non-native species are. 

The council’s biodiversity co-ordinator, Johanna Willi, explained: “Bluebells are an indicator species; they tell us about the age and health of our woodland environment. 

“Our bluebells are also significant because the UK is home to half of the world’s population.

“The current status of Fife’s bluebells is uncertain. With the help of the public, this project will help build a clearer picture and contribute to nature conservation.

“If you’ve seen wild bluebells in Fife, or even if you remember seeing them sometime in the past, tell the team what you’ve seen at: fifedirect.org.uk/bluebellsurvey.

The project is supported by funding from Scottish Natural Heritage.