A hedgehog who had much of his face sliced off in a gardening accident has been taken in by a Leatherhead animal charity and is on the mend.

Surrey Comet:

The adult male, affectionately named Scarface by vets and staff at the Wildlife Aid Foundation (WAF), suffered the horrific injuries after being cut by a garden strimmer.

From February: Fox shot and killed in "cruel" and "unnecessary" attack in Thorndon Gardens, Stoneleigh

Scarface is one of six hedgehogs to be taken to the centre in recent weeks – all suffering from injuries caused by strimmers.

Vets at the WAF in Randalls Road, managed to stitch up Scarface’s wounds and re-attach the part of his face which was hanging off, although he lost an eye in the accident.

From March: Fox cub thought to be only 30-minutes-old and abandoned baby squirrels taken in by Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead

From March: Easter bunny rehomed in Twickenham after rescue from bins of Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead

Scarface is expected to be freed into the wild in the next few weeks.

Surrey Comet:

Simon Cowell, founder of the Wildlife Aid Foundation, warned that gardeners should be aware of hedgehogs in their gardens as they start to nest at this time of year.

He said: “Hedgehog numbers are declining alarmingly and they need all the help they can get.

“They are in trouble because of man’s continual encroachment.

“Two of the biggest problems they face are chain link fences and football nets. We are always getting called out to rescue hedgehogs which have got entangled in both.

“Hedgehogs build nests in quiet, out of the way places, under hedges and bushes and sometimes in or under sheds.

“The nests are usually piles of material, so please look out for them and look out for hedgehogs when you start strimming and mowing the lawn. If you have any questions or doubts call us.”

From April: Vets at Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead rehabilitate rare European Eagle Owl

He also advises people not to touch or pick up baby hedgehogs unless the animal is in danger.

Mr Cowell said: “If you have to touch them, wear gloves that have been rubbed in soil first to prevent human scent getting on them as adults will eat the very young if they don’t recognise them by their scent.”

WAF runs a campaign to protect hedgehogs called Save Harry which is backed by supporter Ricky Gervais. To find out more go to www.wildlifeaid.org.uk

The Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead is looking for a handyman to assist with general maintenance and repair at the charity’s wildlife hospital and rehabilitation centre.

If you are interested in volunteering for the role contact WAF office manager Becky Banning on becky@wildlifeaid.org.uk or call 01372 377332