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Safety goggles: Protect your eyes from flying fragments and debris by wearing safety goggles. When using a hammer and chisel, tiny fragments can chip off and potentially cause eye injuries. Choose goggles that provide proper coverage and fit securely. Mary Anning is another major influence on our understanding of ancient creatures. She made some incredibly significant geological finds on the Dorset coast. Her discoveries include the first two plesiosaur skeletons found and the first correctly identified ichthyosaur skeleton. Despite these finds, Anning struggled financially for most of her life, operating independently from the largely male British scientific establishment.
When engaging in fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast, it’s important to adhere to a set of etiquette and rules to ensure the preservation of this unique and environmentally sensitive area. Here are some guidelines to follow: By following these etiquette and rules, you can help preserve the Jurassic Coast and its remarkable fossil heritage for generations to come. Enjoy the experience of fossil hunting while also being a responsible steward of the environment. However, in recognition of her contribution to science, the species pictured above was named after her. Many people also attempt to follow in her footsteps to this day by visiting the beaches of Lyme Regis.
How to find fossils on the beach
Follow local regulations: Respect any rules or guidelines set by local authorities or landowners. Some areas may have restrictions on collecting fossils or require permits, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations beforehand. Remember to approach fossil hunting with curiosity, patience, and respect. Appreciate the beauty of the landscapes, the thrill of the hunt, and the wonder of discovering fossils that have endured through millions of years. Take the time to learn about the fossils you find, share your knowledge with others, and contribute to the ongoing understanding of the Jurassic Coast’s geological heritage. Look for common fossils: Start by searching for common fossils such as ammonites, belemnites, or brachiopods. These fossils are often more abundant and easier to find, providing a good foundation for your collection. As you gain more experience, you can delve into the search for rarer or more specialized fossils. Magnifying glass: A magnifying glass or a hand lens can be useful for examining fossils up close and identifying intricate details. It helps you spot delicate structures and provides a closer look at fossilized remains.
Can you keep the fossils that you find? Smithsonian Magazine explains that if you own private land, you have a legal right to anything you find on the property; if you are anywhere else, you need proper consent from the entity or state that owns the land.Added accessories include 3 in one whistle (thermometer, compass) jeweler’s loupe, paintbrush, safety goggles, and gloves! Charmouth: Just a short distance from Lyme Regis lies the village of Charmouth, which boasts one of the best-kept secrets of the Jurassic Coast. The cliffs and foreshore at Charmouth beach are home to a wide variety of fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, and even the occasional dinosaur bone. Guided tours and events: Joining a guided fossil hunting tour or participating in organized events can provide valuable insights and guidance from experts. Local guides are knowledgeable about the area’s geological history and can help you identify fossils. Additionally, events such as fossil festivals and workshops offer opportunities to learn from professionals and connect with fellow enthusiasts. the best all round type of footwear. A strong bag: When considering the type of bag to use, it's worth setting aside
Be patient and persistent: Fossil hunting requires patience and persistence. Keep in mind that finding fossils is not guaranteed, and it may take some time and effort to spot them. Stay focused, scan the ground carefully, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t find anything right away. In December 2014, amateur fossil hunter Jonathan Bow made an astonishing discovery on the south Wales shoreline. He unearthed the first complete skeleton of a carnivorous marine reptile in Wales. The ichthyosaur (commonly termed 'fish lizard') measured a whopping 2.13m and weighed in at 60kg. The find made national news and the National Museum of Wales described it as "a potentially very, very important find" given its completeness.Leave no trace: Take any litter or trash with you and dispose of it properly in designated waste bins. Leave the beach and surrounding areas as pristine as you found them, so future fossil hunters can enjoy the experience too. While collections are fun, the fossil trade has created many ethical concerns. Amateur fossil hunters and private collectors may deprive scientists of the opportunity to analyze these rare items. Remember, regardless of the time you choose to go fossil hunting, always be respectful of the environment and follow local guidelines and regulations. Take only photographs and memories, ensuring that the fossils you discover will continue to inspire and educate future fossil enthusiasts. Once you understand the legal aspects of fossil hunting, you can start planning your adventures. In my fossil hunting trips, I have found YouTube to be a helpful resource as I prepare for a fossil hunt. Choosing the right time to go fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast can greatly enhance your chances of finding remarkable specimens. Here are some factors to consider when planning your fossil hunting expedition:
If you find something unusual or interesting it is always worth getting an expert’s opinion. Take the fossil into a local museum or heritage centre where it can be properly looked at and if it turns out to be something of scientific interest you could make the news headlines!
Digital Camera
If something looks unusual or odd, the chances are it probably is, says Lomax. "So collect it. It's how we learn." Whatever we do with our fossils, says Shepherd, we must remember to be respectful towards anything we find. He says: "Being respectful to the landscape is important and we must preserve our findings so that others can enjoy them too. Size and proportions: Consider the size and proportions of the fossil in relation to its known species. This can help narrow down the possibilities and assist in accurate identification. Keep in mind that some fossils may only be fragments, so try to piece together parts of the fossil to gain a clearer understanding of its original form. risk repetitive strain injury. Chisel: A chisel is required for removing fossils from the surrounding
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