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Cerne Abbas Nature Appeal

The Cerne Abbas chalk giant after being re-chalked September 2019 | © National Trust Images
We've looked after the Cerne Abbas Giant and the small plot of land he calls home since 1920. Now, you can help us transform the surrounding area into a super site for nature. All future donations will help us restore the land, habitats and species that live there.

Why is restoring the land important?

The iconic and mysterious Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset is Britain's largest chalk hill figure, and a monument that has captured people's imaginations worldwide for generations. 

Your donations will help restore the land to support threatened species, create nature-rich habitats and opportunities for people.  

Your ongoing support today will help us take care of this important landscape and ensure populations of many rare and endangered species aren't lost from this part of Dorset forever. 

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 important appeal.

A quote by Sir Stephen Fry

Help bring back nature

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. We need landscapes that are bigger, better connected and more resilient to help tackle climate change and support wildlife. 

Your donation today will help us transform this nationally important site. You'll be helping our conservation experts and ranger teams to: 

  • Carefully manage chalk grasslands so that rare butterflies and plants can thrive. 

  • Plant more trees to create safe habitats for birds and wildlife. 

  • Reseed and restore the land to support grassland, scrub and woodlands. 

  • Prepare habitats to cope with our changing climate, so that species can survive into the future. 

  • Open up more footpaths so that more people can experience the magic of the area up close. 

By donating today, you'll not just protect one species – you'll create a stronger, joined-up countryside where many rare butterflies and other wildlife can flourish. 

Map of Cerne Abbas displaying existing and available lots
Map of Cerne Abbas land and available lots | © National Trust

Donate today and you can:

Support threatened species

Your support will help protect existing populations of rare butterflies - including the Duke of Burgundy, Marsh Fritilliary and Adonis Blue, amongst other species that call Giant Hill home. We’ll improve land management to enable them to flourish.

Create opportunities for people

As we plan new archaeological research and ways to fill Cerne Abbas with nature, we’ll start by listening to the ideas and priorities of the local community, our supporters and visitors, local schools, businesses, conservation groups and landowners. We want communities to feel a closer bond than ever with this cherished local landmark.

Create nature-rich habitats

Creating a nature-rich landscape by re-nourishing the soil and planting trees will store carbon, support wildlife and flora, and sustain healthy rivers. Chalk grassland is one of the most biologically rich and diverse habitats in the UK. So, careful management of the Giant Hill SSSI is at the heart of this vision.

We've raised £2.48 million to help fund the purchase of land surrounding the Cerne Abbas Giant and we have exchanged contracts with the seller to safeguard against the risk of losing the land. 

All future donations to the appeal will be used to support: 

  • Habitat creation, transforming the wider site for nature and people to enjoy 

  • Increasing access, in consultation with the local community – ensuring every gift makes a lasting difference. 

If you would like to support this project with a high-impact gift of more than £10,000, or on behalf of a business, you can speak to our Philanthropy team directly by emailing giving@nationaltrust.org.uk. 

Aerial view of Cerne Abbas chalk giant after being re-chalked surrounded by fields and woodland in early autumn in Dorset.

Give today

With your support, we can restore this important landscape and ensure many populations of rare and endangered species aren't lost from this part of Dorset.

Donate

You might also be interested in

Cerne Giant 

Find out more about the giant, ancient, naked figure sculpted into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas.

Cerne Abbas, Dorset

Fully open today
View of Cerne Abbas chalk giant beyond the trees in autumn in Dorset

Plant a Tree 

Trees provide vital habitats for a range of wildlife and are one of the best natural defences against climate change. This is why we're aiming to plant and establish 20 million trees by 2030. Donate to Plant a Tree and make a difference.

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Nature conservation 

Discover how we work to support a rich variety of land, nature and wildlife across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Donate 

For 130 years, people like you have helped us look after nature, beauty and history. Donate today, and together we’ll preserve precious places for everyone, for ever.

Two people sat on a bench wearing coats and hats. There is a wooden fence between them and they are overlooking the see with the hills in the background

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