Alistair Hardaker
Image: The Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset (James Beck & National Trust Images)
Conservation charity aims to secure 138-hectare site surrounding nationally important monuments, with archaeological research opportunities planned.
The National Trust has launched an appeal to raise £330,000 towards the purchase and care of a 138-hectare site surrounding the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset.
The acquisition, equivalent to 190 football pitches, will complete the conservation charity’s ownership of the landscape around Britain’s largest chalk figure, which it has cared for since 1920.
Over £2m has already been secured through grants and bequests. The remaining funds are being sought from public donations to complete the purchase.
The acquisition is hoped to allow for the long-term care of Giant Hill and the surrounding area, which includes several nationally important monuments.
Hannah Jefferson, General Manager for West Dorset & Cranborne Chase, explained: “Research shows the Giant dates from the Early Medieval Period (770–1100 AD), while the surrounding landscape has been important to people for thousands of years, with evidence of human activity stretching back to 4300 BC.”
The site contains The Trendle, earthworks whose date and purpose remain unknown, alongside a Bronze Age burial mound and Iron Age settlement earthworks including house platforms.
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.”
Jefferson added: “There’s potential for new walking and play opportunities, creativity and interpretation that joins up the monuments here, all inspired by the spirit of place. We want to work with more organisations and people who love the Giant as much as we do, starting by understanding what the local community needs from the landscape.”
The appeal is supported by Sir Stephen Fry and National Trust Ambassador Sean Fletcher. The Trust has launched a Crowdfunder prize draw offering ten donors and guests the opportunity to participate in the Giant’s re-chalking event in 2026, with the first 500 entries receiving a limited edition pin badge.
The fundraising target date is the end of January 2026. Donations received after this date or once the target is reached will support habitat creation, site transformation and increased access in consultation with the local community.
