Cerne Abbas Giant receives 17 tonnes of fresh chalk to combat weather-related fading
By
Justin Rowlatt
Crackles when you bite it. Shows the baker did the work.
Summary
The Cerne Abbas Giant, a famous chalk figure in Dorset, England, is being refreshed with 17 tonnes of new chalk by National Trust staff and volunteers. Heavier winter rains are washing chalk from the slope more quickly and creating damp conditions that allow algae to grow, dulling the Giant's outline and making it greener. While the National Trust is cautious about directly attributing these changes to climate change, ranger Luke Dawson notes observable weather pattern shifts affecting the landmark's maintenance needs.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledHeavier winter rains are washing chalk from the slope more quickly, while mild, damp conditions give algae more chance to grow.
It's one of these things we cannot really prove. It is more just observation of what we are seeing up there.
A dulling effect on the Giant's outline, leaving it greener and less distinct between maintenance work.
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