Tag: Reptiles

Dorset by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Jun 14, 20169:49 am

Tidmoor Point

Tidmoor Point, on the edge of The Fleet lagoon opposite Chesil Beach, is a small but highly productive Oxford Clay locality. Best known for its pyritised and limonitic ammonites, the low cliffs and foreshore regularly yield a wide range of fossils, including belemnites, crinoids, crustaceans, fish and occasional reptile remains. Despite its modest size, it remains one of the most reliable sites for collectors searching for well-preserved Jurassic fossils. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
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Dorset by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Apr 29, 20265:44 pm

Smallmouth Sands

Smallmouth Sands, located within Portland Harbour near Weymouth, is one of the UK’s most remarkable yet often overlooked fossil sites, exposing the Lower Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay. It is one of the most diverse assemblages of Kimmeridge Clay reptiles anywhere in the world. Fossils are typically tiny but abundant, with collectors finding vertebrate remains, fish, and shells scattered across the foreshore, especially after favourable tides and storms.Jurassic, Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
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Dorset by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Jan 26, 20081:16 pm

Chapman’s Pool

Chapman’s Pool is a remote cove beneath Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay and younger cliff-capping rocks. Ammonites, shells and trace fossils record the changing sea, but a long descent, unstable cliffs and tidal headlands make this a demanding locality best approached for observation rather than an extended shore traverse. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦

Somerset by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Jun 23, 20042:57 pm

Quantoxhead

Quantoxhead is a quiet and expansive stretch of the Somerset coast, where tall Jurassic cliffs and a wide wave-cut platform provide excellent fossil exposure. The foreshore regularly yields ammonites and occasional reptile remains, often after erosion, while the long rocky platform also features numerous rock pools, making it both a productive and scenic location to explore. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
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Somerset by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Oct 20, 20042:55 pm

Kilve

Kilve’s limestone reefs and dark Jurassic shale reveal ammonites, changing seafloor conditions and remarkable ancient methane-seep structures. The shore east of Kilve Pill is the main route described here, with loose fossil material and exposed pavements to examine carefully on a falling tide while protecting the cliffs and embedded finds. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦

Isle of Wight by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Feb 8, 20083:04 pm

Yaverland

Yaverland is one of the most famous fossil collecting locations on the Isle of Wight, renowned for its dinosaur remains, vertebrate fossils and classic Wealden exposures. However, despite its reputation, success here depends heavily on conditions. The site can often appear unproductive, particularly during the summer months when the foreshore is covered, but after winter storms and spring tides, fresh material is exposed and excellent finds can be made. Due to its popularity, the site is also heavily collected, meaning patience and persistence are essential. Cretaceous, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
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Yorkshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Mar 18, 20072:39 pm

Whitby

Whitby is one of the most iconic fossil localities on the Yorkshire coast, renowned for its rich Jurassic heritage and dramatic cliff scenery. While access to parts of the foreshore is tide-dependent and requires careful planning, the rewards can be considerable. The area is celebrated for its abundant ammonites, marine reptile remains and diverse shell beds, as well as for jet — fossilised wood from ancient conifer-like trees that became highly prized in Victorian jewellery. Its reputation means it is rarely quiet, but with patience and good timing.Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
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Yorkshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Mar 18, 20072:36 pm

Saltwick Bay

Saltwick Bay is one of the most productive sites on the Yorkshire Coast, well known for its abundant ammonites, reptile remains and marine fossils. The foreshore is rich in fossiliferous nodules, often easy to split and frequently yielding well-preserved specimens. The bay is also famous for jet, a form of lignite historically used in jewellery, adding to its geological and historical significance.Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
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Yorkshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Mar 18, 20042:50 pm

Port Mulgrave

Port Mulgrave is one of the most productive fossil sites on the Yorkshire Coast, famed for its abundant ammonites and rich Jurassic marine fauna. Once a thriving ironstone mining harbour, the foreshore now yields a wide range of fossils, including reptile remains, belemnites and nodules packed with ammonites, often exposed after cliff falls and erosion. With its combination of historical interest and exceptional fossil potential, it remains a must-visit location for serious collectors.Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
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Yorkshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Mar 18, 20042:44 pm

Kettleness

Kettleness is one of the most productive fossil sites on the Yorkshire Coast, especially renowned for its abundant reptile remains, often found loose or within nodules along the foreshore. The site is also highly regarded for its ammonites, similar to those found at nearby Port Mulgrave, making it a top location for collectors seeking both vertebrate and invertebrate fossils.Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
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Yorkshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Aug 11, 199410:35 am

Sandsend

The coast north of Sandsend exposes Lower Jurassic shale, ammonites and named concretion bands beneath cliffs altered by historic alum working. Marine-reptile remains are documented but exceptional, while slippery rocks, tidal cut-off and unstable cliffs make the northern shore demanding. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦

Gloucestershire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Mar 4, 20101:18 pm

Westbury on Severn

Garden Cliff at Westbury-on-Severn exposes a Late Triassic succession with fish remains, reptile bones and richly patterned sandstone surfaces. The locality gave its name to the Westbury Formation, and its several bone-bearing horizons preserve an important record of changing shallow-water conditions. Visiting the tidal shore requires care around mud, rising water and unstable cliffs. Triassic, Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦

Sussex by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Jan 24, 20129:57 am

Fairlight

The shore from Pett Level and Cliff End towards Fairlight Cove records Early Cretaceous rivers and muddy environments. Its Cliff End Bone Bed is important for fish, reptile and rare mammal remains. Fossils may occur in loose material, but unstable cliffs, soft ground and rapid tidal cut-off demand particular care. Cretaceous, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦

Cambridgeshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Feb 22, 200811:23 am

Yaxley (Hampton Vale)

The flooded brickpits at Yaxley, beside Hampton Vale, preserve a glimpse of the Middle Jurassic sea beneath modern Peterborough. Weathering of the fossil-rich Oxford Clay has yielded oysters, belemnites, ammonites and occasional marine-reptile remains along the lake embankment. The exposed shore changes with water level and vegetation, and access to lakeside paths does not automatically permit collecting on the banks. Check current signs and obtain permission before leaving the paths or removing material. Jurassic, Lake Embankment, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦

Cambridgeshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Feb 22, 200811:16 am

King’s Dyke Pit

King’s Dyke combines a history of important Jurassic reptile discoveries with a managed fossil hunting area supplied with Oxford Clay from the quarry. Oysters, belemnites and delicate ammonites are characteristic finds in this material. Visits depend on current opening arrangements, a membership permit and gate code; ordinary access following the reserve’s stabilisation closure has not been confirmed. Jurassic, Working Quarry, Rating: ♦♦

Wales - South by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Aug 5, 20097:00 am

Penarth

Penarth’s north shore reveals red and green Triassic cliffs, pale gypsum and fossil-bearing beach stones. This guide follows the shore north from the pier towards Penarth Head, where loose shell fossils reward careful observation, but tides, unstable cliffs and uncertain collecting permissions demand care. Jurassic, Triassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦

Wales - South by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Sep 20, 20025:48 am

Lavernock

At Lavernock Point, the coast records a remarkable transition from late Triassic mudflats to an Early Jurassic sea. Shells, ammonites and vertebrate remains occur in different parts of the succession, and the discovery of Dracoraptor hanigani made the locality internationally known. Careful observation reveals both the fossils and the changing environments that preserved them. Jurassic, Triassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦

Wales - South by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Nov 22, 20026:00 am

Llantwit Major

At Llantwit Major’s Cwm Colhuw beach, pale limestone ledges and darker mudstones reveal a fossil-rich Early Jurassic sea. Ammonites and bivalves are the main attractions, often preserved as impressions or shells within the foreshore rocks. The striking cliffs and jointed platforms also make this a rewarding place to see how sedimentary rocks weather and break apart. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦

Scotland - North by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Apr 14, 20052:16 pm

Helmsdale

Helmsdale’s Late Jurassic foreshore records an ancient submarine landscape beside an active fault. Its distinctive Boulder Beds contain broken shells, corals and fossil wood, together with enormous blocks of much older Devonian rock. The shore northeast of the harbour rewards careful observation, although its rocky ground and tidal headlands require planning. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦

Scotland - North by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Apr 14, 200512:35 pm

Crakaig

Crakaig’s Jurassic foreshore is a rocky, seaweed-covered shore north of the campsite, with striking sedimentary boulder beds and occasional exposures of finer fossil-bearing rock. The original visit recorded ammonites and shells, but sand and shingle often conceal the finer beds. This is a demanding shore where changing exposure matters more than a particular season. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦

Scotland - North by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Apr 14, 20051:54 pm

Eathie

A steep woodland walk leads to Eathie Haven, where Hugh Miller explored a shore rich in geological contrasts. Jurassic ammonites and exceptionally preserved plants come from the rocks south of the old fishing station, while much older Devonian beds to the north have yielded fossil fish. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦

Scotland - North by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Apr 14, 20051:43 pm

Kintradwell

Kintradwell’s Jurassic foreshore combines fossiliferous shales with folded sandstones and spectacular boulder beds. When the sand has cleared, ammonites, belemnites and bivalves can be seen among rocks that record an unstable ancient sea floor beside the Helmsdale Fault. Allow for a long coastal walk. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦

Scotland - Skye by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)Apr 11, 201210:02 am

Rigg

Rigg is a rugged locality on the east coast of Skye, north of Bearreraig Bay, where Jurassic marine fossils occur in sandstone ledges and fallen blocks. Ammonites, belemnites and shell-bearing rocks reward careful observation, while younger strata in Rigg Burn add a different chapter to the local geology. The difficult approach, rough shore and tidal restrictions make this a visit for experienced, well-prepared walkers. Jurassic, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦