Bracklesham Bay fossil hunt - Saturday 27th Sep '08

Bracklesham Bay is one of the lesser known, but highly productive fossil collecting locations in the UK.   Discovering Fossils and JuniorGeo will be joined by local expert and author David Bone for a guided fossil hunt along the 46 million year old coast towards Selsey.   The day includes a 45 minute presentation at the nearby Fishbourne Roman Palace, which introduces the geology and fossils of the local area and provides an opportunity to see some of the best fossils recovered from Bracklesham over the years. Participants will be shown where to find a range of fossils, including: shark and ray teeth, fish vertebrae, and if we're lucky, turtle carapace and crocodile bones and teeth.   Full details will be provided to participants prior to the event.   Adults £10 / Children £5 Location details

Hastings dinosaur hunt - Saturday 22nd Nov '08

A prehistoric experience with local expert Ken Brooks along the famous dinosaur hunting grounds at Hastings.   During this event we'll be looking for fossil teeth and bones from animals that lived in the area from 140 to 120 million years ago. Molluscs, fish, crocodiles and turtles inhabited lakes and rivers, while the land was dominated by dinosaurs such as Iguanodon, Polacanthus and Baryonyx. The sandstones and clays also contain the fossilised plant remains of ferns, horse-tails, cycads, conifers and tree-ferns - as well as footprints left by dinosaurs.   Full details will be provided to participants prior to the event.   Adults £10 / Children £5 Location details

Welcome
 

The study of the prehistoric world provides a lifelong interest that is as variable in discoveries as it is dramatic in length of time. From the initial building blocks of life, to the birth of insects, plants, dinosaurs and even mankind,  the science of palaeontology leaves no stone unturned.
 
The inspiration for the study of palaeontology soon grows into a fascinating range of practical and mental challenges that enrich and enthuse the individual. Their efforts are rewarded with physical evidence, which in turn gives rise to a deeper questioning about the context of their discoveries.

Palaeontology discriminates none, it is a science suitable for everyone, regardless of age, experience, depth of knowledge and education.  Even the most pessimistic observer will soon discover answers to some of the fundamental questions in life and a playground for the imagination.

The study of fossils is best enjoyed outdoors, it's a physical pursuit that requires an interaction with the outdoor environment and a desire to seek answers. Much time is spent gathering materials and enjoying their characteristics and variety.

Fossils inspire the individual to consider prehistoric life in the context of former environments, and appreciate how global events have shaped the modern world. They will soon discover an array of species that evolved over 600 million years plus, ranging from single cell organisms, to 30 tonne reptiles!

Like the pages of a book, the fossil record provides a storyboard of dramatic changes in the earth's history, each period leaving its own unique impression in the rock. From this the palaeontologist can interpret the fossil evidence and form a picture of a truly amazing prehistoric world.

Strategy

Since its launch, in 2002, the aim of Discovering Fossils has been to communicate information in an interesting and visual way, so that beginners and experts alike can benefit from the resources. Whether you're a collector, tourist, family or individual, Discovering Fossils provides an interesting and concise guide to fossils and the locations in which they are found.

Wherever possible pictures, diagrams and photos are used to bring clarity and depth to the each report. Many of the fossil locations featured on the site follow the advice and recommendations of our site visitors. We are always keen to hear about new and interesting locations, including quarries, cliffs, beaches, estuaries and any other fossil location.

Education is a key part of the strategy of Discovering Fossils and we hope the website will spark an interest in people who might not have considered geology or palaeontology.

Please note that some of the fossil locations visited require the permission of the landowners before collecting fossils. Please also observe the safety of yourself and others when fossil hunting.

Enjoy the website!

Roy Shepherd