Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis, exposes classic Lower Jurassic Lias beds similar to those at Church Cliffs, making it one of the most iconic fossil sites on the Dorset coast. The foreshore regularly yields ammonites, bivalves and marine reptile remains, although success is heavily dependent on conditions. After storms and strong scouring, fresh material is revealed, often producing some of the best finds along the Jurassic Coast.Jurassic, Cretaceous, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
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Bowleaze Cove exposes both the famous Oxford Clay Formation and the overlying Corallian Group, making it one of the most geologically interesting locations around Weymouth. While the historic Oxford Clay exposures that once produced abundant marine reptile remains are now much reduced, the foreshore east of the main beach continues to yield a wide variety of fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves and trace fossils. The best collecting is generally found beyond the sandy beach beneath Ham Cliff, where fallen Corallian blocks and material washed from the cliffs can provide rewarding finds. The terrain is rough and uneven, consisting of boulders, shingle and fallen rock, so sturdy footwear is essential.Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
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Redcliff Point is one of Dorset’s most rewarding Upper Jurassic fossil localities, exposing both the fossil-rich Oxford Clay Formation and the overlying Corallian Group within a spectacular coastal setting. The foreshore yields a diverse range of fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, large bivalves, trace fossils and occasional vertebrate remains, while the Oxford Clay has historically produced marine reptiles and giant oysters such as Gryphaea dilatata. Fresh erosion, heavy rain and scouring tides regularly expose new material, making this an excellent destination for the dedicated fossil collector.
Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
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The Fleet-side exposures near Langton Herring preserve Bathonian shell beds and brachiopod-rich limestone in a varied Jurassic succession. Oyster banks, encrusting organisms and separate marker horizons are of specialist interest, but reserve access and collecting restrictions mean that an ordinary visit should stay on public paths. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
Cogden’s shingle beach, east of Hive Beach, borders low exposures of Frome Clay and basal Forest Marble. Bivalves, brachiopods and occasional small gastropods occur in mudstone, cementstone and loose shelly slabs, while patchy exposure and a steeply shelving shore shape what can safely be observed. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
The striking red and white cliffs at Aust, on the Severn Estuary, expose the Rhaetian Penarth Group, home to one of the most famous bone beds in the UK. This thin but highly productive layer is packed with teeth, fish remains and reptile material, making Aust the richest Triassic fossil site in Britain. Under the right conditions, the foreshore can yield a wide variety of microfossils, rewarding careful searching and sieving. Triassic, Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
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A Jurassic fault along the Balintore foreshore is well exposed here. Fossil oysters are quite common, but belemnites can also be found. In addition, during the right conditions, Jurassic ammonites can be found. The cliffs here consist of Devonian strata. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦
This is a very dramatic location, but Rigg is one of the least visited fossils locations on Skye. The reason is that this is only for the experienced collector. It has a fascinating coastline of Lower and Middle Jurassic sediments. Rich in fossils, archaeology and local wildlife, Rigg is one of these places where safety and common sense must prevail. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
