Fears nesting birds were being harmed by a hedge cutter sparked a report to police.

A tractor was spotted clearing plants and bushes along Graveney Road in Faversham at around 8am this morning.

Police were contacted, and officers from the rural task force team were sent to assess the situation.

James Walker, police spokesman, said: "No evidence of any criminal offences has been established."

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it illegal to take, damage or destroy the nests of protected wild birds while they are being used or constructed.

The RSPB advises the public not to cut or prune hedges and bushes between March and August due to the likelihood of birds nesting, breeding and living in hedgerows.

Work happening this morning was reported to police by CPRE Kent (Campaign to Protect Rural England), who are urging contractors to "consider nature when carrying out maintenance work".

A spokesman said: "We understand there will be times when essential works need to be carried out, but in this case a strimmer or mower could have been used rather than a tractor mounted hedge trimmer."

Meanwhile, Thanet District Council leader Bob Bayford has called for internal review after maintenance work carried out by the authority was branded "catastrophic carnage" by campaigners.

Read more: All the latest news from Faversham