An animal lover is urging to Islanders to be alert when pruning their shrubs and bushes.

Ray Allibone, who runs Swampy’s Wildlife Rescue, has spoken out after a nest of robins was disturbed in Minster last week.

The gardener brought the birds to him after trying to move the nest to a different hedge.

Mr Allibone, 58, will hand-rear the chicks.

“If there’s shrubs and bushes that have to be removed then it has to be done, but please be aware of the animals and birds in your garden," he said.

“Carefully look through the branches and look to find animal homes or nests – a little bit of disturbance now is better than heartbreak later.”

Mr Allibone, of Diamond Court, Sheerness, said robins are territorial and the parents would be unlikely to go to a different bush, even if their babies are there.