Stonebarrow, to the east of Charmouth, is one of the busiest and most productive sections of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Renowned for its rich ammonite beds, including the famous Green Ammonite Member and the highly sought-after golden pyritised ammonites, this stretch attracts collectors from around the world. The foreshore regularly yields a wide variety of fossils, and with persistence, it can be one of the most rewarding areas along the Dorset coast.
DIRECTIONS
♦ The beach at Charmouth is easy to access. Just head into Charmouth and then down Lower Sea Lane, where there is a large car park next to the sea.
♦ There are also toilets, an information centre, and a cafe/food outlets nearby.
♦ Stonebarrow is the cliff to the East, the other side of the River Char. Use the footbridge to cross the river.
♦ Lower Sea Lane Car Park, Charmouth: DT6 6LR, Google Maps
♦ What3Words collecting area: ///managers.rules.exacted
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PROFILE INFO
FIND FREQUENCY: ♦♦♦♦♦ – Stonebarrow is one of the most productive locations on the Jurassic Coast, with a wide range of fossils regularly found along the foreshore, particularly ammonites.
CHILDREN: ♦♦♦♦♦ – Suitable for families, although the walk can be longer. Plenty of fossils can be found loose on the beach, making it rewarding for all ages.
ACCESS: ♦♦♦♦♦ – Good access from Charmouth, with a relatively straightforward walk along the foreshore. Care is still needed on uneven ground.
TYPE: – Fossils are found on the foreshore, within nodules, and amongst fallen material from landslips. Collecting should only be from loose material as this is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and an SSSI.
FOSSIL HUNTING
Stonebarrow, to the east of Charmouth, is one of the most productive and rewarding areas along the Jurassic Coast, particularly for ammonite collectors. The foreshore here regularly yields fresh material following storms and cliff falls, with fossils found loose amongst the shingle, within nodules, or preserved in fallen blocks from the cliffs. This area is especially well known for its diversity of ammonites, which occur in several distinct preservation styles depending on the beds they originate from.
One of the most sought-after finds at Stonebarrow are the pyritised ammonites, which are often found loose on the foreshore or within grey mudstone nodules. These ammonites formed in oxygen-poor conditions where iron sulphide (pyrite) replaced the original shell material during fossilisation, giving them a distinctive metallic, golden appearance. Common species include Promicroceras, Oxynoticeras, Eoderoceras, Coeloceras, Crucilobiceras, Echioceras, Microderoceras, Androgynoceras, Cleviceras, Tropidoceras and Polymorphites. These specimens can range from small to medium in size and are often beautifully preserved, although they can be fragile and prone to deterioration if not stored correctly.
Another characteristic fossil type at Stonebarrow are the flatstone ammonites, preserved in thin slabs of limestone or shale. These fossils are typically composed of calcite and are found by splitting flat, layered rocks on the foreshore. Species commonly encountered in these flatstones include Promicroceras, Asteroceras, Arnioceras, Cymbites and Xipheroceras. These ammonites are often preserved as flattened but highly detailed impressions, and splitting the right layers can reveal excellent specimens. Careful, controlled splitting is essential to avoid damaging the fossil.
The Green Ammonite Nodules, from the Green Ammonite Member, are among the most distinctive features of Stonebarrow. These greenish, often iron-rich nodules contain exceptionally well-preserved ammonites, including species such as Androgynoceras, Oistoceras, Liparoceras, Tragophylloceras, Caenisites, Becheiceras, Lytoceras and Prodactylioceras. Unlike other nodules, these should not be split with a hammer, as this will almost certainly damage the ammonite inside. Instead, they are typically prepared professionally using air tools and fine abrasives such as iron powder to carefully expose the fossil. When properly prepared, these nodules can reveal some of the finest ammonites found anywhere on the Dorset coast.
Stellare nodules are commonly found along the foreshore at both Stonebarrow and Black Ven and are often mistaken by collectors for ammonite-bearing nodules. These are typically round to slightly oval in shape and display subtle concentric ring patterns around their edges, which can resemble the outer whorls of an ammonite. However, the vast majority of these nodules contain only calcite infill with no fossil present. Very occasionally, they may contain the rare ammonite Asteroceras stellare, although specimens are often crushed or poorly preserved due to the pressure of the surrounding calcite. As a result, while they can appear promising, Stellare nodules are usually disappointing and are best approached with caution when deciding whether to split them.
In addition to ammonites, Stonebarrow also yields a range of other fossils. Crinoid remains are relatively common, particularly slabs containing the stems of Pentacrinites, which can sometimes be found preserved across bedding planes in fallen blocks. These crinoid slabs can be very attractive and are often overlooked by collectors focusing solely on ammonites.
Further along the foreshore, the Belemnite Marls are exposed and can produce a wide variety of fossils. Belemnites are especially abundant here, including species such as Passaloteuthis, Acrocoelites, Hastites and Youngibelus. These bullet-shaped fossils are often found loose on the beach or weathering out from softer marl deposits. The marls can also yield additional marine fossils, making this a diverse and rewarding area to search.
Collecting at Stonebarrow is often best after storms or periods of heavy erosion, when fresh material has been released onto the foreshore. Careful searching of newly fallen rocks, nodules and exposed surfaces can yield excellent results. However, the walk from Charmouth can be long, so it is essential to check tide times and ensure a safe return.
If you find something that may be scientifically significant, consider reporting it to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre or the Lyme Regis Museum. They can help identify your find and offer expert advice. Proper documentation ensures that important specimens are recorded and remain available for scientific research.
GEOLOGY
The geology at Stonebarrow is dominated by the Charmouth Mudstone Formation of the Lower Jurassic, dating to around 190 million years ago (Sinemurian to Pliensbachian stages). These marine sediments were deposited in a relatively calm, shallow sea and consist mainly of mudstones and marls, which are highly fossiliferous and form part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
At the base of the exposed sequence on the foreshore are the Black Ven Marl Member beds. These softer, darker mudstones are well known for producing flatstone fossils, where thin slabs can be split to reveal preserved marine life such as fish and crinoids. These beds represent quieter depositional conditions, allowing fine sediments to settle and preserve delicate fossils in detail.
Above this lies the Belemnite Marl Member, which forms slightly more resistant layers within the cliffs and foreshore. These beds are rich in belemnites and ammonites and frequently weather out as nodules and blocks onto the beach. This unit contributes significantly to the fossil material found loose along the foreshore.
Overlying this is the distinctive Green Ammonite Member, one of the most important horizons at Stonebarrow. This bed is characterised by greenish, iron-rich nodules that contain exceptionally well-preserved ammonites. These nodules weather out of the cliffs and are commonly found scattered across the beach. The preservation within these nodules can be outstanding, although they typically require careful professional preparation to reveal the fossils without damage.
Capping the Jurassic sequence at the top of the cliffs are younger rocks of Early Cretaceous age, including the Gault Formation and Upper Greensand Formation. These overlying deposits rest unconformably above the Jurassic strata and contribute to the instability of the cliffs. Water percolating through these layers plays a major role in triggering landslips, which in turn continually expose fresh fossil-bearing material on the foreshore below.
HISTORY OF CHARMOUTH & MARY ANNING
Mary Anning (1799–1847), born in Lyme Regis, also collected extensively around Charmouth. Despite facing societal barriers in The coastline around Charmouth is closely linked to the pioneering work of Mary Anning (1799–1847), who was born in nearby Lyme Regis and collected extensively along this stretch of coast. Despite significant societal barriers in the early 19th century, her discoveries played a crucial role in shaping the science of palaeontology. Among her most famous finds were the first complete Ichthyosaurus skeleton discovered at just 12 years old, several nearly complete Plesiosaurusspecimens, and the first British pterosaur, Dimorphodon. These discoveries provided important evidence for the emerging idea of extinction and helped transform scientific understanding of prehistoric life.
Today, this legacy continues along the beaches of Charmouth, Black Ven and beyond. Many of the fossils found here are similar to those discovered by Anning herself, particularly marine reptiles and ammonites weathering out of the cliffs. The nearby Lyme Regis Museum, which features a dedicated Mary Anning Wing, celebrates her life and achievements, while Charmouth’s fossil shops, guided walks and heritage centre help keep this rich tradition alive, allowing new generations to explore and discover the Jurassic past for themselves.
SAFETY
Fossil collecting along the Charmouth coastline should always be approached with care, as this is an active and constantly changing environment. Tide awareness is essential. Always plan your visit around tide times and aim to collect on a falling or low tide, allowing plenty of time to return safely. Certain areas can become completely cut off at high tide, and the sea can rise quickly, trapping unwary collectors.
The cliffs at Stonebarrow, West Beach and Black Ven are highly unstable and prone to frequent landslips and rockfalls. Large sections can collapse without warning, particularly after heavy rain or storms. You should never stand directly beneath the cliffs and always keep a safe distance from the cliff base, even when searching recently fallen material.
The foreshore can be difficult to navigate, with slippery rocks, uneven boulders and soft clay underfoot. In places, the clay can become very sticky, and there is a risk of becoming stuck, especially after wet weather. Take care where you walk and avoid areas of deep mud. Do not attempt to climb landslips or unstable slopes, as these can shift suddenly and are extremely dangerous.
Strong or stormy conditions can increase your chances of finding fossils, but they also bring additional hazards. Be aware of wave surges and rough seas, which can sweep across the beach unexpectedly. Always keep a safe distance from the water’s edge during unsettled weather.
If using tools, such as hammers, always wear appropriate safety protection, including safety goggles, to protect against flying rock fragments. Only ever collect from loose material on the foreshore. Digging into cliffs, bedrock or protected SSSI areas is both dangerous and prohibited.
Wearing sturdy footwear with good grip is essential to reduce the risk of slipping or ankle injury, and suitable outdoor clothing, including a waterproof jacket, is recommended as weather conditions can change quickly along the coast.
EQUIPMENT
Stonebarrow is a location where tools are often essential, as many of the best fossils are locked within hard limestone nodules and blocks. A strong geological hammer and splitting chisel are highly recommended for opening rocks, particularly when searching for ammonites within the Green Ammonite Member. A spade or small pick can also be useful for extracting nodules or fossils that are partly embedded in the foreshore clay or landslip material. Always wear safety goggles when using tools to protect against flying fragments. As many finds can be fragile, it is important to bring tissue, newspaper or wrapping materials, along with a sturdy bag or container to safely transport specimens.
CLEANING AND TREATING
Begin by removing any loose sediment very carefully using a soft toothbrush. Take your time, as many fossils—particularly pyritic specimens—are fragile and easily damaged. 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.
Some collectors prefer to treat ammonites with artists’ varnish. This is acceptable for common species that are not of scientific importance, as it enhances colour and contrast and can make a specimen really “pop”. However, varnish is not reversible and is therefore not recommended for rarer or research-grade fossils.
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