Wildlife activists have spoken of their “heartbreak” as a wind turbine home to nesting peregrine falcons and ravens is set to be torn down.

The structure in Richborough, between Sandwich and Ramsgate, will be removed as part of larger works for a battery storage facility around the power station for which planning was approved last year.

However, it has been described as an important habitat for protected birds and a “monument to the wind industry”.

Pictures show that a ‘bed’ has been made, ready for the turbine to come down “any time now”.

Local campaigner Nik Mitchell explained: “It’s just the relentless destruction of habitats. It’s heartbreaking.

“Peregrine falcons are the fastest animal in the world and are a red-listed species.

“People are always complaining about pigeons, well it’s peregrines that will take them out. They are a top-of-the-chain predator and therefore a significant bird.

“The raven is also very significant, particularly to Ramsgate as the town is actually named after ravens by the ancient Anglo-Saxons.

“It’s the only place in the town that the ravens could nest, so once it’s down you won’t have any living here any more.

“They are really special birds.”

Ravens have been nesting there for at least two years, and it is very likely that peregrines have nests in there too, but they are harder to spot.

However, the large birds of prey have been seen coming to and from it with food.

Mr Mitchell also worries there could be hibernating bats inside.

A nest box was installed 100 metres away from the energy source in the hopes the birds would move into it, but this has not been successful.

Peregrine falcons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, but their homes and nests are not.

“It is certain that the wind turbine is a home for the birds,” the 41-year-old added.

“But it’s out of nesting season, so there are no chicks.

“That’s how they are getting away with taking it down.

“It's such an important area for wildlife and it neighbours a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

“Nobody knew that planning had even gone in to take it down, and now it’s happening.”

The turbine itself is also significant, as it was the UK's biggest when it was built in 1989.

Mr Mitchell commented: “It’s undeniably a monument to the wind industry.

“People travel a long way to get a good look at it because it's a legend.”

The site is being redeveloped by Pacific Green Technologies Inc which is planning to create a battery storage facility to help towards the UK’s net zero targets.

Pacific Green has been approached for comment.

Nearby, Mr Mitchell and other campaigners are also fighting against plans for a new electrical converter station on marshland in Minster.

They worry that swans could be decapitated by the new power cables.