Writhlington’s conserved colliery-spoil rock store preserves a remarkable late Carboniferous wetland community. Plant impressions and rare terrestrial arthropods have made it internationally important, but this finite scientific resource is visited through controlled arrangements: obtain permission and current joining instructions before travelling. Carboniferous, Spoil, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
Gurnard Ledge is a classic location for finding insects but fish, turtle and crocodile remains can also be found. Today, the famous insect bed has become less productive, but insects and leafs can still be found. Over 200 species of insects have been recorded, including delicate remains such as beetles, flies and wings. Oligocene, Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
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Porchfield is the name used locally here for a remote and largely unnamed stretch of coastline west of Burnt Wood, on the north-western side of the Isle of Wight. The locality is best known for exposures associated with the Bembridge Insect Bed, one of Britain’s most important fossil insect horizons. Exceptionally preserved insects, plants and other delicate fossils can occur within the fine-grained limestone and marl, making this a specialist but potentially very rewarding location.Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
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Aldwick and Bognor Rocks expose early Eocene London Clay when beach conditions permit. Shells, plant remains and fish-bearing nodules and pyritic debris make this an important fossil coast, also known for rare insects. The wider scientific section extends towards Pagham, with different reefs exposed in different places. Eocene, Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
