Barton-on-Sea is one of the UK’s most famous Eocene fossil sites, with the Barton Clay yielding hundreds of species of shells, particularly gastropods. The foreshore regularly produces shark teeth, fish remains and occasional mammal fossils, often found loose after erosion. With abundant material and easy collecting, it is an excellent location for both beginners and experienced collectors alike.Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
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Taddiford Gap and Hordle Cliff are a classic late Eocene vertebrate and plant locality. The Totland Bay Member contains distinct Mammal, Crocodile, Leaf, Chara and Rodent horizons, whose fossil records depend on careful bed identification. The eroded gap is not a dependable beach descent, and scientific sampling requires appropriate permission. Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
Milford on Sea is noted for fossil aquatic fruits and seeds in the Eocene Headon Hill Formation around Paddy’s Gap. Fragile freshwater shells and shell-bearing ironstone also occur. Exposure changes with erosion and beach cover; the scientific interest does not justify climbing unstable slopes or sampling protected beds without permission. Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
At Lepe, the Stone Point interglacial deposits preserve evidence of elephants, plants and a changing river–estuary environment. Older Eocene bedrock and fossil-bearing imported sea-defence blocks tell separate stories. Sand cover, tides and soft ground affect what can be seen, and protected deposits should be observed without unauthorised excavation. Pleistocene, Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
Brownwich Cliff and the adjoining Chilling reach show Eocene marine sediment beneath Pleistocene river gravels and brickearth. Bivalve and gastropod moulds occur in sandy sediment and hard cemented blocks. The terrace geology is important in its own right; a rich local mammal fauna has not been established. Pleistocene, Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
Beckton Bunny reveals the upper Barton succession and its transition into the freshwater and brackish Headon Hill Formation. Shells are generally more scattered and broken than farther west at Barton on Sea, although the Chama horizon is notably fossiliferous when exposed. Eroding cliffs and uncertain shore access require careful planning. Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦
Latchmoor Brook, usually spelt Latchmore in geological literature, exposes the Bracklesham–Barton transition in the New Forest’s Studley Wood stream sections. Shells, nummulites and fish remains make it scientifically important, but this is an observation-only locality for ordinary visits. Incised banks and soft ground need care throughout the year. Eocene, Stream, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
