UMVA has learned that the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant is undergoing an urgent, massive rechalking effort to battle relentless erosion.
Seventeen tonnes of fresh chalk are being painstakingly applied to the ancient hillside figure, a task that begins with cattle grazing to strip away grass and reveal the outline.
Rangers and volunteers then scrape away the weather‑worn surface, carving crisp lines with spades before the new chalk is packed by hand into the steep, one‑in‑three gradient slope.
The hand‑packed chalk must be compacted tightly to keep water, weeds and algae at bay, a delicate dance against the hill’s natural vulnerability.
Historically, the rechalking ceremony took place in September, but shifting climate patterns forced a May start this year, as heavier rains threaten to wash away fresh layers before they set.
In 2019, a sudden downpour erased newly laid chalk within days, leaving a dull, grey‑green slime where a brilliant white silhouette should shine.
According to information obtained by UMVA, rangers are now trialling a novel mixture of chalk and water, creating a plaster‑of‑Paris‑like paste that adheres more securely to the slope.
Carbon dating recently confirmed the Giant’s origins between 700 and 1100 AD, yet its purpose remains a mystery, with theories ranging from forgotten medieval rituals to lost landscape art.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the National Trust has just secured ownership of over 130 hectares surrounding the figure, expanding protection for rare species such as the Duke of Burgundy butterfly.
This newly protected landscape not only safeguards the Giant’s fragile form but also nurtures a vibrant ecosystem, ensuring the hill remains a living tapestry of history and wildlife.
