Cerne Ab-baaaas! Dozens of grazing sheep are tasked with restoring historic chalk Cerne Abbas figure after it became shrouded by overgrown grass

• Historic chalk giant had become difficult to see after being covered by grass
• Sheep have set to graze around the naked figure by the National Trust
• An exceptionally wet July and August boosted grass growth on giant’s Dorset hill

Sheep have been tasked with restoring the historic Cerne Abbas Giant to its full glory by grazing the grass that surrounds the naked chalk figure, but all ‘baa’ one have so far missed the memo. 

The hillside man, who wields a large club and a prominent erection, had become overgrown after his outline was covered by grass.

The National Trust, which cares for the site, has deployed its stand-by flock of sheep to graze the sloping hillside and make the 180ft giant reappear.

There had been complaints from tourists who had been frustrated at having made the trip to Dorset, but being unable to see the nude chalk figure.

Most of the sheep were recently spotted grazing away from the figure, with only one being photographed eating its way through the grass towards the penis.

The Cerne Abba giant usually glimmers on the slopes of Dorset, but a wet July and August have caused quicker than normal grass growth

The ancient 180ft tall chalk figure with a huge appendage has turned into the ‘invisible man’ after becoming completely overgrown – to the anger of tourists

The National Trust has come under fire for letting the Cerne Abbas man become an ‘invisible man’ 

The Cerne Abbas Giant was last re-chalked in 2019 to commemorate the National Trust’s 100-year ownership of the landmark.

It can normally be seen from miles around and is one of only two major human hill figures in England, along with the Long Man of Wilmington, in East Sussex.

The origin and age of the Cerne Abbas Giant are unclear. There is evidence that parts of the man have been lost or altered over time.

The first written reference to the man was in 1694. He has become prominent in local folklore and has become known as a fertility icon.

Superstitious couples are said to have sex on its penis.

There are a variety of local myths and theories suggested by historians as to the origin of the chalk giant.

The Cerne Abbas giant previously overgrown in 2008, and was last re-chalked in 2019 

Dozens of sheep have been tasked with restoring the famous giant to its naked glory, and one has been eating his way to his penis

Unfortunately, most of the sheep at The National Trust site are grazing away from the figure, so it can still barely be seen

Some believe it is a depiction of Oliver Cromwell and a local legend has it that a real giant was killed on the hill and the villagers drew round the outline.

The giant has been in danger of disappearing before. In 1868 the owner Lord Rivers gave orders to have ‘His Mightiness’ restored after becoming overrun with grass.

During World War II it was covered over in brushwood by the Home Guard so Luftwaffe pilots could not use it for navigational purposes.

Locals in Dorset have called on the National Trust to do more to protect the giant figure. 

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.

They added: ‘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.’

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