Cerne Giant Hill, while known for its giant picture of a giant on the hillside, is a great butterfly site, and we have just had the excellent news that the National Trust is hoping to buy it – but they need help raising the money.

In butterfly terms, we know Giant Hill as a precious site for the Duke of Burgundy butterfly: a species found in very few places in Dorset and classed on the national Red List as ‘vulnerable’. We also have ‘vulnerable’ Marsh Fritillary and Adonis Blue at this site.

Duke of Burgundy. Photo: Tracy Whincup

The National Trust is aiming buy the surrounding 340 acres to safeguard it for ‘wildlife and heritage’ to thrive. Their current strategy is ‘to restore nature – not just on National Trust land, but everywhere’.

If the National Trust cannot buy it, the site could go to an organisation or person more interested in exploiting the Giant than conserving this fantastic natural habitat.

Click here to find out more and help the National Trust to help our butterflies and moths.