National Trust launches fundraiser to help buy land around Cerne Giant

"The mystery of when, how and perhaps most importantly why a giant naked figure was carved into a dizzyingly steep hillside in the English West Country has been a source of wonder and intrigue for centuries. Future generations may come closer to solving the puzzle of the Cerne Giant after the National Trust stepped in to buy 340 acres of land around the 55-metre (180ft) figure. The planned purchase is expected to clear the way for more archaeological investigations around Britain's largest chalk hill figure, which looms over the rolling Dorset landscape."

"It would also mean more work can be done to protect the flora and fauna on the hillside, including the rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly. And the conservation charity hopes the purchase will lead to better access for people to the figure, with more chances for exploration and play. The trust has exchanged contacts for the land and it plans to use money from its funds, grants and bequests to cover 2.2m of the asking price. On Wednesday it launched a fundraising appeal to try to raise another 300,000 for the purchase."

"The trust said the acquisition would help conserve the giant's setting in perpetuity. Steve Timms, an archaeologist, said: The acquisition will provide an opportunity for archaeological research and investigation on a landscape scale. This will not only help us manage the land in the most appropriate way but also answer questions about the development of settlement and ritual activity over the area over several millennia."

The Cerne Giant is a 55-metre chalk hill figure in Dorset carved into a steep hillside whose origins and purpose remain mysterious. The National Trust has exchanged contacts to buy 340 acres of land around the figure to enable archaeological investigations, conservation and improved public access. The trust plans to use funds, grants and bequests to cover 2.2m of the asking price and has launched an appeal to raise another 300,000. Conservation aims include protecting plants and the rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly, and donor incentives include chances to join rechalking and receive a themed pin badge.

Read at www.theguardian.com