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National Trust Has started an appeal to acquire the surrounding land dorsetis prestigious sern abbas giant,
The charity aims to raise £330,000 to purchase and care for 138 hectares of land near the famous landmark.
Over £2 million has already been secured for the acquisition of the area known as the Giant’s Lair, which includes Giant’s Hill and its diverse wildlife. The campaign is supported by actor sir stephen fry And countryfile Presenter sean fletcher,
Sir Stephen said: “This is a very rare opportunity to protect the beautiful and biodiverse countryside surrounding the Cerna 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.
Buying the land will allow the charity to restore and care for parts of the chalk grasslands, plant new woodland and create a mosaic of habitats that support species at risk and help wildlife adapt to climate change.
Hannah Jefferson, general manager of West Dorset and Cranbourne Chase, said: “This is an exciting and unique opportunity to give a huge boost to nature in Dorset.
“The land we are acquiring is extraordinary – it is home to everything from our giant 55 meter 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 at-risk species and allows wildlife to thrive at the site.”
Ms Jefferson said the land is ecologically and archaeologically important.
“research shows The giant itself dates back to the early medieval period.While the surrounding landscape has been important to people for thousands of years, evidence of human activity dates back to 4300 BC.
“Since the National Trust began caring for the mammoth in 1920, we have worked to protect its heritage and wildlife – and this appeal is the next step in that journey.”
Jenny Plackett from Butterfly Conservation said: “After a long legacy of working with the current landowner to maintain the hugely important habitat at Cern Abbas for rare butterflies, we are delighted to see the Trust taking this forward.
“Securing the future of these vulnerable species at this site would be a huge 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.