In September 2019 several members took the opportunity to accompany one of the newest West Dorset Rangers – Phil Thorpe – on a walk round the Golden Cap Estate in search of the orchid ‘Autumn Lady’s Tresses’. Unfortunately it was a little late in the season but several were found along with other interesting natural flora and fauna.
Lady’s Slipper Orchid 
Another Lady’s Slipper Orchid 
Small Copper Butterfly 
Puffball Fungi
Since its last refresh in 2008, the Giant has been gradually discoloured by the weather, with weeds taking hold and blurring the previously sharp edges of his lines. He needs to be rechalked every 10 years or so, to keep him visible for miles around. Therefore September was a busy time for the West Dorset NT when the Cerne Abbas Giant was re-chalked with the help of over 300 volunteers. This was done ready for next year when we celebrate 70 years of it being credited as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 60 years of being a Dorset AONB.
Some of the volunteers who did the work
Photos by R Dunford & V Smith