Police have assured animal lovers that nesting birds are not being disturbed by the new zip wire installation in Bluewater.

The 'longest and fastest' zipwire in England is being prepped to open for the first time in April on the grounds of the shopping centre.

Campaigners raised concerns last week that nesting Peregrine Falcons, which are protected under law, would be disturbed by the felling of trees.

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A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “At 4.54pm on Tuesday 23 March 2021, Kent Police received concerns about trees being felled in Cliff Reach, Greenhithe.

“Officers have reviewed the circumstances, and spoken with the contractor, and are satisfied that no nesting birds are being disturbed.”

Peregrine Falcons have full legal protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, which makes it a criminal offence to injure or kill the bird.

Nests and eggs are also protected by the act.

The 725 metre-long zipwire will launch from a 15.5 metre dispatch tower atop a 40-metre chalk cliff at Bluewater, creating a 180-foot vertical drop.

Also planned for the attraction is the UK's only outdoor Skydive machine, Europe's largest swing, Europe's largest outdoor climbing wall and 'much more', once complete.

Plans for an inflatable 'Aqua Park' at the site were withdrawn last week following a backlash from environmental campaigners.

A petition opposing the development, which claimed it would cause extensive damage to over 100 animal species, was signed over 8,000 times.