The clearance of trees and undergrowth next to a Premier Inn has sparked fears about wildlife.

Now a biodiversity and horticulture officer from Thanet Council is expected to be sent to the scene to investigate.

Contractors with heavy machinery have cleared an overgrown plot next to the Premier Inn in The Promenade, Margate.

But questions are being raised about the timing of the work, with residents concerned it has disturbed nesting birds and other wildlife.

A council spokesperson said: "Our biodiversity and horticultural officer will see if he can attend as it is strongly advised not to carry out this type of work in the nesting season and if they do, to check for nesting birds first."

It is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built, or to intentionally kill, injure or take chicks or adults, or intentionally take or destroy any eggs.

Any breaches of that act would be investigated by the police.

The sight of the trees and hedges being cleared caused dismay on social media.

Dan Thompson posted a picture on Facebook, saying: "Another wild corner - home to hundreds of birds, home to foxes - is being stripped out and woodchipped in nesting season."

A spokesman for Whitbread, which owns the Premier Inn chain, said: "Essential maintenance is always carried out outside of nesting season, except in exceptional circumstances such as for safety reasons, including the prevention of vermin, clearing of rubbish, fly-tipping or if overhanging or weak branches that would pose a risk to the public or children’s play areas.

"In Margate, professional accredited third-party contractors are trimming a number of hedges, which are individually checked for nesting birds before being scaled back."

For more information about the protection of nesting birds call RSPB Wildlife Enquiries on 01767 693690.

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