Giant response to appeal helps National Trust secure cherished Dorset landscape
The National Trust has secured land around the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant after hitting its fundraising target in just 60 days
The National Trust has been able to secure land surrounding the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, protecting this cherished landscape for nature, heritage and future generations.
A fundraising appeal, launched in early December last year and backed by Sir Stephen Fry, asked for public support in raising £330,000 toward the purchase and care of a 138 hectare (340 acre) site around the famous chalk figure.
Supporters locally and around the world immediately responded with donations of all sizes, from £1 to £32,000, helping the conservation charity to hit its target in just 60 days.
Donations came in from 20 countries, including Australia, Japan and Iceland.
Sian Wilkinson, Head of Public Fundraising, 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.
“As part of our new strategy, we’re ramping up our work to restore nature, and this appeal shows we can do bold things when people come together.”
Hannah Jefferson, General Manager for West Dorset & Cranborne Chase, said: “Entering 2026, it’s amazing that we now have this opportunity to do so much more around the Cerne Abbas Giant.
“We can now set about creating a patchwork or mosaic of habitats to help species adapt and thrive.”
Among these are 36 butterfly species, including the endangered Duke of Burgundy butterfly which survives at just six sites in Dorset, and whose numbers are in decline across the rest of England.
By joining up parcels of land around the Giant’s lair, including a 147-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Trust will create 190 acres of new habitat.
Work has already begun to recruit a local area ranger, who will lead National Trust staff, contractors and volunteers on next steps.
The team will also be looking to work in partnership with organisations including Butterfly Conservation.
Hannah continued: “Now that the land is in our care, we’ll be getting to know the site and its opportunities, talking to the community about their aspirations and local knowledge, and applying for any relevant, additional grants to help us invest further in nature.”
In early summer, the Giant himself will be re-chalked, with help from 10 appeal donors.
The land purchase will also unlock new opportunities for archaeology, building on analysis in 2021 which found that the Giant was probably first carved in the Early Medieval period (770–1100 AD).
Archaeologist Steve Timms said: “The acquisition will not only help us manage the land in the most appropriate way but also answer questions about the development of settlement and ritual activity over the area over several millennia.”