The National Trust has issued an urgent call to the public, launching a £1.5 million fundraising appeal to secure the future of one of Britain's most enigmatic landmarks. The charity aims to purchase 90 acres of land encircling the ancient Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, a move it says is critical to protect the site's integrity and archaeology.
A Race Against Time for an Ancient Monument
The famous chalk hill figure, a 180-foot-tall naked man wielding a club, has been carved into the Dorset hillside for centuries, though its exact origins remain a subject of debate. The land currently up for acquisition includes the steep slopes directly beneath the giant's feet and the area of his iconic club. The National Trust warns that without this purchase, the land could be sold on the open market, potentially threatening public access and the careful management of the surrounding landscape. The appeal was launched on Wednesday, 3 December 2025.
Securing the Giant's Setting and Stories
Acquiring this parcel is not just about safeguarding the chalk lines themselves. The National Trust emphasises that the land holds significant archaeological value, containing traces of a medieval settlement and an Iron Age hillfort. These features are integral to understanding the full story of the site. The charity, which already owns and manages the giant figure, states that bringing the entire visual setting under its stewardship will allow for unified conservation and enable continued responsible public access.
Kate Mavor, the National Trust's Director for Southern England, highlighted the importance of the campaign. She described the giant as "a much-loved landmark" and stressed that purchasing the land is the "only way" to ensure it is protected forever. The fundraising target of £1.5 million must be met to complete the transaction.
A Community Effort for National Heritage
The campaign has already garnered significant local support. The Cerne Historical Society has been actively involved in efforts to protect the area for over two decades. Furthermore, a generous pledge of £150,000 from a charitable trust founded by Dorset-born musician Eddie Vedder, frontman of the band Pearl Jam, has provided a substantial boost to the appeal's initial momentum.
The National Trust is now calling on its members and the wider public to help raise the remaining funds. Success would mean the iconic silhouette of the giant, set against its dramatic downland backdrop, is preserved in its entirety. This would allow future generations to continue to enjoy, study, and speculate about this mysterious piece of England's ancient past, ensuring the Cerne Abbas Giant remains a defining feature of the Dorset landscape.
