ANIMAL lovers in Brimscombe have urged gardeners to be careful after a hedgehog was injured by a strimmer.

Braveheart was wounded by the tool just a few days after he was released from hibernating in the Help a Hedgehog Hospital in Tetbury.

The garden was being tidied up by a contract gardening firm.

Julien Crowther, who contributes to the Green Scene column for the SNJ, said: “I make no apology for returning to this topic as it is obvious that the message is failing to get through to the people who really need to take care – contract gardeners.

“The horrific wound is beginning to heal and Braveheart is being cared for by Carole at our King's Stanley hospital.

“Injuries like this could be avoided if only people would take care when strimming and check for sleeping hedgehogs by not strimming right down to the ground in one swipe.”

Julien also urged Stroud residents to call the emergency helpline if anyone finds a hedgehog out in the daytime, looking wobbly or lying in the sun on 01453 823871 or 07870 378207.

For non-urgent enquiries email enquiries@helpahedgehog.org