The National Trust has launched an appeal to acquire land surrounding Dorset’s iconic Cerne Abbas Giant.
The charity aims to raise £330,000 to fund the purchase and care of 138 hectares adjacent to the famous landmark.
Over £2 million has already been secured for the acquisition of the area, known as Giant’s Lair, which includes Giant Hill and its diverse wildlife. The campaign is backed by actor Sir Stephen Fry and Countryfile presenter Sean Fletcher.
Sir Stephen said: “This is a very rare opportunity to protect a huge swathe of beautiful and biodiverse countryside surrounding the Cerne Abbas Giant.
“Please join me in supporting this appeal.”
Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Giant Hill is already home to 36 butterfly species.
Purchasing the land would allow the charity to restore and care for sections of chalk grassland, plant new woodland, and create a mosaic of habitats that support species under threat and help wildlife adapt to climate change.
Hannah Jefferson, general manager for West Dorset & Cranborne Chase, said: “This is an exciting and unique opportunity to give nature a huge boost in Dorset.
“The land we’re acquiring is extraordinary – it’s home to everything from our huge 55-metre Anglo-Saxon chalk figure to a small butterfly with a three-centimetre wingspan.
“By protecting the area around the giant, we can restore a fully functioning ecosystem that supports species under threat and allows wildlife to thrive across the site.”
Ms Jefferson said the land is both ecologically and archaeologically significant.
“Research shows the giant itself dates from the early medieval period, while the surrounding landscape has been important to people for thousands of years, with evidence of human activity stretching back to 4300 BC.
“Since the National Trust began caring for the giant in 1920, we’ve worked to protect its heritage and wildlife – and this appeal is the next step in that journey.”
Jenny Plackett, from Butterfly Conservation, said: “Following a long legacy of work with the current landowner to maintain the vitally important habitat at Cerne Abbas for rare butterflies, we will be delighted to see the trust take this forward.
“Securing the future for these vulnerable species at this site will be a great achievement for nature.”
Donations can be made online at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cerne-giant-appeal
The National Trust hopes to raise the funds by the end of January 2026.
