Herne Bay (Beltinge) Fossil Hunting

Beltinge, near Herne Bay, is one of the UK’s premier locations for collecting fossil shark teeth and attracts collectors from across Britain and Europe. While teeth can be found year-round, the site is at its best during very low spring tides, when the most productive beds are exposed. Under the right conditions, this stretch of coast can yield an exceptional number of finds, making it one of the most rewarding fossil hunting locations in the country.

DIRECTIONS

♦ From the A299, head towards Herne Bay and follow signs for Beltinge and Reculver. As you approach the seafront, follow the road as it bends inland away from the coast.
♦ Turn left onto Reculver Drive and follow it to the end, where you will find a cliff-top car park. From here, a footpath and steps lead directly down to the foreshore.
♦ Parking charges apply at certain times of the year, particularly during the summer months, so be prepared to pay. Spaces can be limited during busy periods.
♦ Once on the beach, head east towards Reculver. The most productive area is typically found just before the cockle beds and pebble patches, especially during very low tides when more of the foreshore is exposed.
♦ Postcode to Parking area: CT6 6QE, Google Maps
♦ What3Words collecting area: ///reseller.begun.headings

DOWNLOAD THE UKF BOOKLET TO FOSSIL HUNTING AT BELTINGE

PROFILE INFO

FIND FREQUENCY: ♦♦♦♦♦ – Herne Bay is a highly productive location, particularly during very low spring tides when the main fossil-bearing beds are exposed. However, fossils can be found on most low tides, either washed up on the foreshore or within the shingle. For best results, aim to visit one to two hours before low tide, giving maximum time to search.
CHILDREN: ♦♦♦ – Suitable for children, although supervision is essential. During very low tides, large areas of sand and shingle are exposed, and the sea can return quickly, potentially cutting off access routes and leaving collectors stranded on isolated patches.
ACCESS: ♦♦♦♦♦ – Easy to access, with parking available close to the beach. The town centre is nearby, providing toilets, food and facilities within walking distance.
TYPE: – Foreshore collecting site. Fossils are found loose amongst sand and shingle, within exposed clay, and amongst the cockle beds and pebble patches that appear across the beach during low tide.

VIDEO FILM

FOSSIL HUNTING

Fossil collecting at Herne Bay, particularly around Beltinge and towards Reculver, is one of the best opportunities in the UK to find Palaeocene and early Eocene marine fossils, especially shark teeth. This stretch of coastline can be extremely productive under the right conditions, although success is highly dependent on tide, weather and recent beach activity. On a good low tide, it is not uncommon to find dozens of teeth in a single visit, and even when many collectors are present, there is often plenty to go around.

The key to collecting here is to head out as far as the tide will allow. The further the sea retreats, the greater the area of exposed foreshore and the higher the chances of finding fossils. The main collecting zone lies between the groynes either side of the concrete steps at Beltinge. At low tide, a visible “stream” or channel often runs out towards the sea—this marks an important boundary between the clay beds to the west and the shingle and pebble deposits to the east, and is one of the most productive areas to search.

When conditions are ideal, a small “island” of pebbles may appear further out along this line. This area is often less visited and can produce excellent finds, as teeth and other fossils accumulate among the pebbles over time. To the west lies a large shingle spit known locally as “the Rand”, which historically yielded many fossils, although its productivity has reduced in recent years due to disturbance and mussel colonisation.

Most fossils originate from the Beltinge Fish Bed, a glauconitic sandy clay horizon within the Upnor Formation, dating to around 54 million years ago. This bed is relatively thin but dips gently, meaning only a small section is exposed at any one time. As erosion continues, the exposed area gradually shifts, continually releasing new fossil material onto the foreshore. The greenish colour of the sediment is due to the presence of glauconite, indicating deposition in a shallow marine environment.

A wide range of fossils can be found, but the site is particularly famous for its shark teeth, with around two dozen species recorded. By far the most common is Striatolamia macrota, a sand shark whose teeth typically make up the majority of finds. These are easily recognised by the fine vertical striations along the blade. The next most common species is Carcharias hopei, which differs in having a smoother blade and more slender form.

Closely related forms such as Odontaspis winkleri can also be found and may be confused with other sand tiger sharks, although subtle differences in shape and structure can help distinguish them. Another distinctive and highly sought-after species is Palaeohypotodus rutoti, a striking sand tiger shark tooth characterised by multiple lateral cusps along the blade. Complete examples are rare, as the delicate cusps are often broken, but well-preserved specimens are particularly prized by collectors.

Larger and more impressive teeth can occasionally be found from Otodus obliquus, a large extinct mackerel shark that could reach lengths of up to 10 metres. These teeth are triangular, robust and may include small side cusps. While complete specimens are uncommon, fragments are regularly encountered. Members of the cow shark family, particularly Notidanodon, are also present but are extremely fragile and are usually found as broken pieces.

In addition to sharks, a wide variety of ray and fish remains can be found. The eagle ray Myliobatis dixoni is relatively common, although usually found as broken plates or fragments rather than complete crushing surfaces. Other ray and fish species include Squatina prima (angel shark), Heterodontus vincenti (Port Jackson-type shark), Ardiodus marriottiand Eutrichurides winkleri. Teeth from monkfish and other teleost fish are also occasionally found.

Chimaeroid (rat fish) remains are another notable feature of the site, with species such as Callorhinchus regulbiensis, Ischyodus dolloi, Edaphodon bucklandi and Elasmodus hunteri represented. These often occur as distinctive dental plates or fragments and are relatively common compared to many other sites.

Vertebrate material is also present, including shark and fish vertebrae, fin spines and occasional reptile remains. Turtle fragments and crocodilian material have been recorded, although these are much less common than fish remains. Fossil wood is frequently found but is often poorly preserved and tends to disintegrate quickly once removed from the sediment, particularly if pyrite is present. Fossil pinecones are occasionally discovered but require careful preservation, often needing to be kept wet until stabilised.

Collecting is typically carried out by carefully scanning the ground while walking slowly across the foreshore. Many of the teeth are small, so kneeling down and searching closely is often the most effective method. A pair of tweezers is highly recommended, as some specimens are extremely small and difficult to pick up by hand. A small container or pot is essential for storing finds safely during collecting.

For those willing to put in extra effort, sieving can be very productive. Using a fine mesh sieve (around 2mm), sediment from the pebble beds can be collected, washed and then dried for later examination. This method can reveal a wide range of smaller fossils that would otherwise be missed, including rare species and delicate material. Once dried, the residue can be carefully sorted at home, often yielding surprising results.

As with all collecting sites, it is advisable to keep all finds initially, even fragments, as pieces that appear insignificant in the field can sometimes prove to be rare or important upon closer inspection. With patience, good conditions and careful searching, Herne Bay and Beltinge remain among the most rewarding locations in Britain for collecting early Cenozoic marine fossils.

GEOLOGY

The geology at Herne Bay and Beltinge represents a sequence of late Paleocene to early Eocene marine deposits, laid down approximately 56–54 million years ago in a warm, shallow sea. At this time, southern Britain lay much further south and experienced a subtropical climate, with conditions often compared to a modern Caribbean-type environment. These sediments form part of the Lower London Tertiary sequence, one of the most important early Cenozoic successions in south-east England.  

At the base of the exposed sequence, particularly visible on the foreshore towards Reculver during favourable low tides, is the Thanet Formation. This unit consists mainly of fine sands and sandy clays deposited in relatively shallow marine conditions during the late Paleocene. The Thanet Formation represents one of the earliest marine transgressions into the London Basin and forms the foundation of the coastal exposures in this area. However, it is often obscured by beach sand and is only intermittently visible depending on tidal and beach conditions.

Overlying the Thanet Formation is the Upnor Formation, also of Paleocene age. This unit represents a continuation of shallow marine deposition, with increasing influence from currents and nearshore processes. At Beltinge, the Upnor Formation is particularly important because it is brought down to beach level by the gentle dip of the strata, exposing the well-known Beltinge Fish Bed on the foreshore. This horizon reflects a period of concentrated sedimentation and marine activity within the basin.

Above this lies the Harwich Formation (formerly known as the Oldhaven Beds), which consists of sands, pebble beds and clay layers deposited in higher energy marine conditions. These sediments indicate a shift to more dynamic coastal or nearshore environments, with stronger currents capable of transporting coarser material. The Harwich Formation can be seen dipping towards beach level in places west of Beltinge, contributing to the complex and variable exposures along the coastline.  

The upper part of the sequence is formed by the London Clay Formation of early Eocene age. This unit consists mainly of soft, blue-grey clays deposited in a deeper, quieter marine environment. These clays form much of the cliff material along this stretch of coast and are highly prone to erosion and slumping. The continual breakdown of these soft sediments is a key factor in exposing fresh material onto the foreshore.

The strata along the Herne Bay and Beltinge coastline dip gently, bringing different formations down to beach level over relatively short distances. This allows a wide range of geological units to be accessed across the foreshore, particularly during very low tides. The combination of marine deposition, gentle structural tilting and ongoing coastal erosion makes this one of the most important and accessible Paleogene sections in the UK.

London Clay from Divisions B1 and B2 is exposed at the extreme west end of the bay. The exposures are not very good, although there are some excellent exposures further west at Seasalter. The deposits run from the youngest in the east to the oldest in the west.

To the west of the car park, the Oldhaven Beds are well exposed on the foreshore, which are marked by a pebble bed at their base. This contains black flint pebbles in a buff yellow sandy matrix, which cuts down into the underlying Woolwich Beds. The Woolwich and Reading Beds are below the Oldhaven Beds, but are rarely exposed.

SAFETY

Common sense when collecting at all locations should be used and prior knowledge of tide times is essential. It is very easy to get cut off by the tide as the water can come in, around and behind you, if you are not looking. This is especially the case if collecting on the islands of pebbles and the Oldhaven clay. The tide also comes in very quickly.

EQUIPMENT

Most fossils at Herne Bay are found directly on the foreshore, often within soft clay or amongst shingle and pebble deposits. As a result, specialist tools are not always required, but having the right equipment can significantly improve your success rate.

A small trowel is highly recommended for gently working through the clay, particularly in areas where the Beltinge Fish Bed is exposed. A pointed tool, such as a wood chisel, small file or even a sturdy pick, can be useful for carefully extracting fossils that are partially embedded in the clay without damaging them. Many of the best finds are delicate and require a controlled approach rather than force.

Because collecting is often carried out at ground level, knee pads are extremely useful and will make long sessions far more comfortable, especially when searching slowly across the foreshore. Fossil hunting here is very much a case of patience and close inspection rather than heavy digging.

Most shark teeth are black or dark brown in colour and are found within similarly coloured clay, which makes them surprisingly difficult to spot. Often only the tip or crown of the tooth is visible, so it is important to search carefully and methodically. A good eye is by far your most important tool at this location.

A pair of fine tweezers is highly recommended, as many teeth are very small and can be difficult to pick up by hand, especially in wet or muddy conditions. Bringing small containers or pots will help keep your finds safe, and it is advisable to include tissue or padding to protect more fragile specimens during transport.

For those planning to sieve material, a fine mesh sieve (around 2mm) and a container for collecting sediment can greatly increase the number of smaller fossils recovered. This method is particularly effective in pebble-rich areas where tiny teeth and fragments can easily be missed.

Finally, waterproof boots or wellingtons are strongly recommended, as you will often need to walk through mud, shallow water or soft sediment to reach the most productive areas. The foreshore can be wet, slippery and uneven, so suitable footwear will make collecting both safer and more comfortable.

CLEANING AND TREATING

Begin by removing any loose sediment very carefully using a soft toothbrush. Once cleaned, fossils should be desalinated by soaking them in fresh water for at least 24 hours to remove residual salt. After soaking, allow specimens to dry naturally at room temperature. Do not dry them on radiators or other heat sources, as rapid drying can cause cracking or long-term damage.

Once fully dry, we recommend sealing fossils with Paraloid B-72, dissolved in acetone. This is a museum-grade consolidant that is widely available in pre-mixed bottles. Paraloid B-72 is stable, long-lasting, and does not yellow or react chemically over time. Importantly, it is also fully reversible, making it suitable for scientifically important or display-quality specimens.

ARTICLES

• Thanet anticline’s shifting shorelines: Two millennia of change
• Collecting sharks’ teeth at Herne Bay, Kent
• Fossil beetles of Bognor Regis, West Sussex
• Fossil arachnids

ACCESS RIGHTS

This site is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). This means you can visit the site, but hammering the bedrock is not permitted. For full information about the reasons for the status of the site and restrictions, download the PDF from Natural England.

It is important to follow our ‘Code of Conduct’ when collecting fossils or visiting any site. Please also read our ‘Terms and Conditions‘

LINKS

♦ Fossil Discussions
♦ Fossil Articles
♦ Buy Fossils, Tools and Equipment
♦ Buy Crystals, Meteorites, and Artefacts
♦ Join Fossil Hunts
♦ UK Fossils Network