National Trust Secures Land Around Cerne Abbas Giant after Fundraising Appeal Success
By Rural Affairs Correspondent
The National Trust has secured land surrounding the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, following a hugely successful public fundraising appeal backed by Sir Stephen Fry.
Launched in early December, the appeal aimed to raise £330,000 to help buy and care for 138 hectares (340 acres) of land around the famous chalk figure.
The target was reached in just 60 days, with donations pouring in from supporters in 20 countries, including Australia, Japan and Iceland.
Contributions ranged from £1 to £32,000 and helped complete the purchase of land equivalent in size to around 190 football pitches. The appeal provided the final funding needed, building on more than £2 million already secured through major gifts, grants and bequests.
Sian Wilkinson, Head of Public Fundraising at the National Trust, said:
“Every gift, however big or small, helped us to make this transformational purchase. We can now start creating a nature haven around the Giant, the next chapter in his long history.”
The newly protected land will allow the Trust to restore and connect habitats, benefiting wildlife including 36 species of butterfly.
These include the endangered Duke of Burgundy butterfly, now found at just six sites in Dorset. Around 77 hectares (190 acres) of new habitat will be created, linking existing protected areas including a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Hannah Jefferson, General Manager for West Dorset & Cranborne Chase, said:
“We were able to hit the target thanks to the generous donations made via the appeal, gifts from major donors, legacies, support from local businesses as well as grants, all knitting together to make this once-in-a-lifetime acquisition possible.”
A local ranger is now being recruited to lead conservation work alongside staff, volunteers and partner organisations such as Butterfly Conservation. Plans are also under way to work with the local community and apply for further funding.
Later this year, the Cerne Abbas Giant will be re-chalked using around 17 tonnes of chalk, with help from staff, volunteers and appeal donors.
The land purchase also opens up new opportunities for archaeological research. Studies suggest the Giant was first carved in the Early Medieval period, between 770 and 1100 AD.
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Archaeologist Steve Timms said:
“The acquisition will provide an opportunity for archaeological research and investigation on a landscape scale.”
The appeal remains open, with further donations supporting nature restoration, tree planting and improved public access across the landscape.
