THE CITY of Dunfermline has been named the fourth best wildlife conservation hotspot in Scotland.

According to outdoor experts at Millets, Dunfermline comes in fourth place after Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Paisley.

The research showed that there have been five amphibian species sightings within a 10km radius in Dunfermline, as well as 2,030 insect sightings, and 281 bird species sightings.

It also revealed that there are four wildlife rescue centres within a 20-mile radius.

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Dunfermline received a wildlife conservation score of 8.69, while Aberdeen in first place received a mark of 9.24 out of 10. Edinburgh and Paisley both received a score of 9.06.

Calais Wood Conservation Group is one of many groups doing ecological and conservation work in the area.

They are involved with subsidiary groups such as Duloch in Bloom, Calais Wood Wombles, and Duloch Path Group.

The conservation group’s current projects include some tree planting that is due to take place next month.

They have also been donated nest boxes from the local primary school and owl boxes which will all be going up in the next couple of months.

Next year they will also be creating an orchard.

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Martin Willcocks, chair of Calais Wood Conservation Group, said: “The group originally formed on the back of the planning applications approaching on the woodland and the damaging effects it was having on the woodland.”

As previously reported in the Press, the group have in the past raised their concerns regarding the impact of mass development near green spaces.

Back in 2021, the group helped obtain 270 objections against plans submitted by Shepherd Offshore to create a southern access road serving new homes.

Concerns about developments damaging the natural environment is still a huge concern to them.

Martin added: “I am a huge fan of nature and biodiversity and when you see wildlife you don’t normally see, it’s a memory that often stays with you for a long time.

“Dunfermline is too important and too steeped in historical value and green space, we need to protect it.

“Calais Wood holds a place in lots of people’s hearts, people value that area”.