UK's rudest chalk figure gets a glow-up to stop it fading in the rain
Summary
The Cerne Abbas Giant, a large chalk figure on a hillside in Dorset, England, is being restored to prevent its outline from fading due to wetter weather and algae growth. The National Trust is applying new chalk to the figure and managing the surrounding land to protect this historic landmark.Key Facts
- The Cerne Abbas Giant is a 55-meter tall chalk figure of a naked man holding a club, located near the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset.
- Wetter winters and damp weather are washing chalk away and encouraging algae growth, which makes the Giant's outline less clear.
- The National Trust owns the site and has cared for the Giant since 1920, maintaining it by adding fresh chalk roughly every ten years.
- This year’s restoration is happening after only seven years due to the impact of changing weather.
- Around 300 staff and volunteers are involved in the restoration, carrying about 17 tonnes of chalk up the steep hillside by hand.
- The chalking process involves removing old chalk and packing fresh chalk into the outline to keep the figure visible.
- The National Trust recently raised £330,000 to buy more land around the Giant to protect wildlife and archaeological sites.
- The UK’s climate is now warmer and wetter in winters and hotter and drier in summers, which affects how the Giant and its surroundings need to be cared for.
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