Derbyshire is well known for its extensive exposures of Carboniferous Limestone, which are rich in marine fossils. These rocks commonly contain brachiopods, corals, and crinoids, although the hard limestone can make fossils difficult to extract.
The area also includes fossiliferous Carboniferous marine shales, which can yield a wider range of well-preserved specimens. Numerous outcrops, cuttings, and quarry sections provide access to these deposits across the region.
Derbyshire remains an important inland location for Carboniferous fossils and is also historically associated with mineral deposits, including the well-known Blue John.
This is a large quarry owned by the National Stone Centre. It exposes the Eyam Limestone Formation, which is full of excellent corals, crinoids, bivalves and brachiopods. Access is easy by entering the National Stone Centre. Carboniferous, Disused Quarry, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
Marsh Brook cuts through Carboniferous marine deposits. These are rich in goniatites, bivalves and gastropods, but also contain many other types of fossils. Often, these are not particularly well preserved, being flattened, but the shale is also extremely rich in well-preserved microfossils. Carboniferous, Stream Embankment, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
Castleton has long been known for its Carboniferous Limestone, its caves and for the Blue John semi-precious stone mined here. Much of the area is owned by the National trust and is designated an site of special scientific interest (SSSI). This means that fossils can only be looked at and photographed, but must not be collected. Carboniferous, Outcrops, Rating: ♦♦♦
In the village of Holymoorside, a public footpath takes you to a small quarry that yields small plant and stem remains from the Carboniferous Wingfield Flags Formation. Stem fragments are the most common find here. Carboniferous, Disused Quarry, Rating: ♦♦
Stone Edge Plantation is not far from Holymoorside. The area was extensively mined for coal and coal measures shale can be found around the workings in and around the plantation. Carboniferous, Spoil, Rating: ♦♦
Monsal Dale, near Little Longstone, is set among breathtaking scenery. Carboniferous fossils can be found here, such as crinoid pieces in limestone and chert. Carboniferous, Outcrops, Rating: ♦♦♦
Set within the rolling Peak District countryside, Parkhouse Hill, near Earl Sterndale, is a beautiful location with various types limestone reef fossils. The view from the top of the hill is nothing short of stunning. Carboniferous, Outcrops, Rating: ♦♦♦
