Could you help adopt the Long Man of Wilmington?

People living in the South Downs are being given a chance to play a part in the history of the Long Man of Wilmington.

The owners of the hillside figure, the Sussex Archaeological Society, need to raise funds to help pay for its maintenance.

Some believe the Long Man dates from the Neolithic period, but recent archaeological research suggests it's more likely it was created in the 16th or 17th century.

Leanne O'Boyle, Executive Director of the Sussex Archaeological Society, said:

"He could be 18th century if you look back at when the earliest written records of him are. But he's right next to a Roman quarry, and there are Anglo-Saxon finds nearby. He's so much more than the figure you see on the hill.

"It also raises far more questions about who we are as a people, and the stories these hills can tell that you just can't see."

The 72-metre monument is the largest portrayal of the human form anywhere in Europe.

During World War Two, the Long Man was painted green to prevent enemy aircraft using it as a landmark.

On May Day, Morris dancers come to the site at dawn, and Druids also use the area for their festivals.

The figure is made up of 770 concrete blocks and members of the public can 'adopt' sections of it for £30, to help preserve its white outline.

James Neal, the Guardian of Long Man of Wilmington said:

"People can sponsor an individual concrete block, so part of the outline of the Long Man.

"The money to do that goes towards the upkeep of the site and people can come and help me when I come up. We come up about three times a year and it gets painted about every three years and we come up when it's really dry weather."

Find out more about the adoption scheme here:

https://sussexpast.co.uk/adopt-the-long-man/