National Trust issue apology for overgrown Cerne Giant

The Giant, an ancient naked figure sculpted into the hillside above Cerne Abbas, is a flagship heritage site for the National Trust.  

People have ventured from around the world to visit the ‘iconic’ monument, which was last reported to be re-chalked back in 2019 to commemorate the Trust's 100 year ownership of the Giant. 
The Giant back in April 

The Giant can be seen from miles around and is described as Britain’s largest, and possibly most recognisable, chalk hill figure. The recommended viewing point is a layby off the A352 north of the village.

However, Mike Hadley had a different experience of the famous club-wielding figure when he dropped by the viewing area with a friend earlier this week.

“I had been aware of its state for a while, but I was nearby and thought I’d take a look - I was staggered to find that it is so overgrown as to be virtually invisible,” he said.

The Giant now Picture: Mike Hadley

Mr Hadley said what struck him the most was when he was at the car park viewing point he passed a pair of American tourists. He said that due to the grass around the Giant being overgrown, the pair were left ‘feeling disappointed’ because they could not make out the famous figure, even after being shown where it was on the hill. 

Mr Hadley, 68, from Swanage, added: “I can understand if it takes time, labour and money but if you’re going to use it to promote the National Trust and boost the local economy it should be better preserved.

“It’s a disgrace that the local community is benefitting financially from visitors who visit the village to see this invisible attraction,” he said.

Mr Hadley said he is 'not planning to visit again anytime soon’ and thinks that the National Trust should advise the public what times of year the Giant will be less visible to avoid tourists being disappointed.

A National Trust spokesperson said: “We’re sorry visitors didn’t get to see the Giant at his best.  

“The enclosure around the Giant is grazed at least twice a year, which helps to maintain the visibility of the Giant, and also creates perfect conditions for the plants and butterflies to flourish on the chalk grassland."

The spokesperson went on to say that this year saw an ‘exceptionally wet’ July and August which boosted the grass growth, reducing the visibility of the Giant.

“In addition to the seasonal grazing which will start again within the next couple of weeks, our small Ranger team will undertake annual “maintenance - cleaning the Giant after grazing and ensuring this iconic landscape feature remains in peak condition,” they added.