Cerne Abbas Giant: Stephen Fry backs appeal for National Trust to buy land around iconic figure
An appeal has been launched to purchase land around Dorset’s iconic Cerne Abbas Giant.
The National Trust is aiming to raise £330,000 to fund the purchase and maintenance of 138 hectares of land adjacent to the famous landmark.
More than £2 million has already been secured for the purchase 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 Country file Host Sean Fletcher.
Sir Stephen said: “This is a very rare opportunity to protect a large area of beautiful and biodiverse countryside surrounding the Cerne Abbas Giant.
“Please join me in supporting this call.”
Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Giant Hill currently hosts 36 species of butterflies.
Purchasing the land will allow the charity to restore and maintain sections of chalk grassland, plant new woodland and create a mosaic of habitats that supports threatened species and helps wildlife adapt to climate change.
Hannah Jefferson, managing director of West Dorset & Cranborne Chase, said: “This is an exciting and unique opportunity to provide a huge boost to nature in Dorset.
“The land we have acquired is extraordinary; it is home to everything from our huge 55-metre Anglo-Saxon chalk figure to a tiny butterfly with a three centimeter wingspan.
“By protecting the area around the giant, we can restore a fully functioning ecosystem that supports threatened species and allows wildlife to thrive throughout the area.”
Ms Jefferson said the land was important both ecologically and archaeologically.
“Research shows that the giant itself dates back to the early medieval period, while the surrounding landscape has been important to humans for thousands of years, with evidence of human activity dating back to 4300 BC.
“Since the National Trust became involved with the giant in 1920, we have been working to protect its heritage and wildlife, and this appeal is the next step on that journey.”
Jenny Plackett from Butterfly Conservation said: “Following a long-standing legacy of working with the current landowner to protect vital habitat for rare butterflies at Cerne Abbas, we will be delighted to see the trust take this forward.
“Securing the future of these sensitive species in this region would 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.
