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Location and directions Directions: Access is made along the B3069.  Parking is available South West of Worth Matravers. From the car park a public footpath leads South towards the beach.  You will come to a vantage point, overlooking the bay. A small winding path takes you to the beach.		Key information Geological period Jurassic, Late Kimmeridgian Approximate age 140 million years Fossil diversity Ammonites, reported reptile remains Find frequency High - especially after rain Dangers High - cliff collapses are common Equipment Hammer, Chisel and eye protection Accessibility Poor - a long walk down a tough path Local facilities Parking... and nothing else Additional notes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
How would Chapman's Pool have looked 140 million years ago?

Introduction

Chapman's Pool is located several miles East of Kimmeridge and is part of the 'Jurassic Coast'.  

Parking is available free of charge at the top of the cliff.

Despite the location's fossil attraction and spectacular scenery, this is not a family friendly location; the descent from the car park is clearly marked, but steep in places and after recent bouts of rain becomes very slippery.

During our recent visit in January several stretches were up to a foot deep in mud!  Be extra careful if you choose the direct route over the slumping cliff face (where the valley meets the sea), it's possible to reach the beach, but is especially slippery and dangerous at times.

The coast at Chapman's Pool is host to some of the highest concentration of Ammonites in the country, most of which are crushed, but many have retained their three dimensions.

Where to look for fossils?

Once on the beach you'll be stood in Chapman's Pool itself.  The processes leading to it's formation are similar to that of Lulworth Cove, whereby the softer rock is eroded quicker than the hard flanks of the pool (formed by collapsed Portland rock).  If it's your first visit to the location it's best to head west in the direction of Kimmeridge.  Beware of the tide, there are several points where you can become cut off by the rising water.  If you're planning on walking the distance to Kimmeridge you will need to time your start at Chapman's Pool when the tide is retreating.

Chapman's Pool (viewed from the West flank)

The fossils at Chapman's Pool are mostly Ammonites and Bivalves.  The Ammonite Pavlovia rotunda in particular is the main attraction, largely due to their abundance and size.  It's worth noting at this point that their volume is wholly the result of frequent cliff collapses that occur.  For this reason a hard hat is strongly advised (see equipment).

For more information about the features and processes controlling coastal fossil collecting locations click here.

What fossils might you find?

As you explore the foreshore and boulders you will quickly discover many of the Ammonites are crushed and despite appearing to be worth collecting, will disintegrate if touched.  In these instances it's best to leave them for others to observe.  If however you do decide to remove them, ensure you wrap them with plenty of padding for the journey home.

Fortunately not all the Ammonites are crushed, a small percentage have retained their three dimensions and can be found at the seaward toe of the cliff slumps.  No attempt to scale the cliffs should be made to reach visible specimens, as it's highly liable to collapse.

Because of the active cliff slumping, most of the three dimensional ammonites are broken or in isolated fragments.

For less experienced collectors it's best to focus your attention on the shingle on the foreshore, where many of the three dimensional Ammonite fragments can be found.

As you head towards Kimmeridge the volume of fossils declines, so it's worth spending an hour or two at Chapman's Pool before moving on. 

Chapman's Pool is better than many of the neighbouring locations for the volume of Ammonites in particular.  Unfortunately, past and present geological processes have crushed and separated many of the fine specimens.  However to the serious enthusiast, this location is a must for expanding your knowledge and experience.

Protecting your finds

It's important to spend some time considering the best way to protect your finds onsite, in transit, on display and in storage. Prior to your visit, consider the equipment and accessories you're likely to need, as these will differ depending on the type of rock, terrain and prevailing weather conditions.

(Left) Fossil wrapped in newspaper, ready for transport. (Right) A small compartment box containing cotton wool is ideal for separating delicate specimens.

When you discover a fossil, examine the surrounding matrix (rock) and consider how best to remove the specimen without breaking it; patience and consideration are key. The aim of extraction is to remove the specimen with some of the matrix attached, as this will provide added protection during transit and future handling; sometimes breaks are unavoidable, but with care you should be able to extract most specimens intact. In the event of breakage, carefully gather all the pieces together, as in most cases repairs can be made at a later time...continued.

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Picture credits: School of fish from coastal.er.usgs.gov, belemnite reconstruction from www.abc.net.au, shark by diveclub.org. Safety notice: Fossil hunting can at times pose a risk to personal safety, in particular within environments close to the coast, cliffs or in quarries and when using the tools and equipment illustrated. Discovering Fossils provides a free resource to inform you about this fascinating subject and does not accept any liability for decisions made using this information. We recommend all individuals abide by the 'National Fossil Hunting Code' and independently research the potential dangers before and during the visit.

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All content and images (C) 2008 Roy Shepherd