The Cerne Abbas Giant, a iconic hillside figure in Dorset, is receiving its once-in-a-decade makeover as 17 tonnes of chalk are laid onto the ancient landmark. The giant, whose origins remain shrouded in mystery, typically undergoes a revamp every seven to ten years, but work has started earlier this year due to climate change and shifting weather patterns.
Renewal Process
Under the stewardship of the National Trust for over a century, dozens of staff and volunteers dedicate approximately 300 hours to renewing the 55-metre (180ft) tall chalk outline. The process begins with cattle grazing on Giant Hill to remove surrounding grass, ensuring the figure remains visible. The old chalk layer is then stripped away, and rangers carve sharp outlines using spades before applying fresh chalk.
Luke Dawson, lead ranger at the National Trust’s West Dorset & Cranborne Chase area of natural beauty, emphasised the urgency: “We want to keep on top of it because we’re seeing that it’s starting to overgrow a lot more and fade, and it’s something that people have travelled from all over the country and even the world to see.”
Challenges from Climate Change
The steep hill, with a gradient of about one in three, is prone to erosion. Chalk must be packed tightly by hand to prevent water damage, weeds, and algae. In previous years, re-chalking occurred in September, but changing weather patterns have forced an earlier start. In 2019, intense rainfall washed away fresh chalk just days after application.
“The erosion was in part because of that September rain,” Mr Dawson explained. “With the algae, it’s one that we just can’t predict. If that algae does not get killed off over winter, coupled with wetter summers, it promotes algal growth in damp conditions. Rather than a nice white chalk sheen, you get a dull grey-green slime, so we must constantly check.”
This year, the National Trust decided to carry out the work in May and trial a new technique: mixing chalk with water to create a plaster of Paris-like consistency before application.
Mysterious Origins
The figure’s origin remains unknown, sparking ongoing debate. Local records only document its existence from the 17th century, but carbon dating analysis in 2021 confirmed its presence around 700 to 1100 AD. Scott Welland, visitor, operations and experience manager at the National Trust in West Dorset, noted: “One theory is that during that period, the grass grew back. So maybe during that time he disappeared and no one was aware he was there until the 1600s. But we still don’t know why he’s there or why they created him—that’s a mystery.”
New Chapter for the Giant
The giant and its surrounding wildlife have entered a new chapter, as the National Trust recently secured ownership of over 130 hectares of land around the figure. The appeal, backed by Sir Stephen Fry, raised its £330,000 target in just 60 days. This will protect species like the Duke of Burgundy butterfly on the site of special scientific interest.
