Tag: Microfossils

Dorset by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Seatown

Seatown is one of Dorset’s classic fossil-hunting locations, offering rich Jurassic material set against some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the south coast. However, it can be more dangerous than many nearby localities due to the exceptionally high and unstable cliffs, so care is always required. Fossils are commonly found loose along the foreshore, with some of the finest specimens—particularly ammonites—preserved within hard nodules that require careful preparation. During periods of strong coastal scouring, belemnites can occur in abundance across the beach.Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
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Dorset by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Durlston Bay

From the Zig Zag path to Durlston Head, the western half of Durlston Bay reveals some of the finest and most complete exposures of the Purbeck Limestone Group in the UK. This section is more rugged and challenging, with steep cliffs, ledges and active rockfall zones, but it is also the most productive for serious collectors. The beds here are famous for yielding tiny mammal remains, reptile material, fish fossils and dinosaur traces, offering a rare glimpse into life in the lagoonal and coastal environments that existed at the end of the Jurassic period. While conditions can be difficult, this part of the bay is one of the most scientifically significant fossil localities on the Dorset coast. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
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Dorset by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Watton Cliff

Watton Cliff is one of Britain’s most important Middle Jurassic microfossil localities, exposing the fossil-rich Forest Marble Formation above the Frome Clay. While larger fossils such as brachiopods, crinoids, sharks’ teeth and reptile remains can be found, the site is best known for its remarkable microvertebrate fauna, including some of the oldest mammal remains discovered in the UK. Careful collection and processing of samples can reveal an extraordinary range of tiny fossils hidden within the sediments. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
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Dorset by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Hengistbury Head

Hengistbury Head preserves Eocene sands, clays and ironstone horizons beneath younger river gravels. The headland’s burrows, sparse marine fossils and scientifically recorded plant remains are best explored through geological observation and photography: reserve rules prohibit removing soil and stones. Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦

Hampshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Taddiford Gap

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: ♦♦♦♦

Hampshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Milford on Sea

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: ♦♦♦

Hampshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Lepe

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: ♦♦♦

Essex by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Steeple Bay

Steeple Bay exposes a London Clay foreshore with fossil lobsters, crabs, teeth and crinoid fragments. Finds are often small and are best sought among permitted loose material when tidal silt has cleared. The early Eocene marine fossils must be distinguished from much younger marsh deposits and archaeological material. Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦

Norfolk by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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West Runton

West Runton brings together two very different fossil worlds: Cretaceous chalk on the shore and the much younger West Runton Freshwater Bed at the foot of the cliffs. The latter preserved a river-valley community of mammals, fish, freshwater shells and plants, including the celebrated steppe mammoth Mammuthus trogontherii. When sand has been washed away, the chalk platform reveals flints and marine fossils. Search loose beach material carefully, keep a record of each find and treat these scientifically important exposures with care. Tides, shifting sand and unstable cliffs determine what can safely be seen. Pleistocene, Cretaceous, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦

Cornwall by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Pendower Beach

Pendower Beach combines a Devonian coastal section with much older fossil-bearing quartzite carried into the rocks as large blocks. The eastern shore offers elusive brachiopod impressions, while the raised beach and folded bedrock reward a careful geological visit even when fossils are scarce. Devonian, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦

Scotland - Skye by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Flodigarry

Lustrous ammonites, belemnites and shell-filled nodules make Flodigarry’s Jurassic shore a fascinating place to explore. On the northern side of Staffin Bay, fossil-rich mudrocks preserve the international reference point for the start of the Kimmeridgian. Their changing ammonite assemblages tell a remarkably detailed story across the Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian boundary. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦