Introduction

The cliffs at Dover are accessible to the east when heading from the town itself. Cliff-top parking is also available within a reasonable distance of the beach. To see a map of the beach entrance point, please click on the UK map above. After a short walk from the cliff top car park, you'll need to descend down a reasonably steep path towards the beach, at the end of which a long ladder reaches down to the foreshore.

(Left) A long path winds its way down the cliff face. (Right) The final descent is made down a ladder to the foreshore.

It's worth observing the battlements built into the cliff face before descending down the ladder; here you can even see the chilling evidence of bullet holes in the doors!

Dover is a classic fossil hunting location, although best suited to experienced collectors and not families. The fossils are not readily found and those that are require careful extraction to prevent damage.

Once you arrive on the beach the most notable relic of the past is in fact a ship wreck (pictured below). Having conducted some initial research it has not been possible to identify the ship; we suspect she's a WW2 wreck.

(Left) A large ship wreck lying on the foreshore. (Right) Up-close, the iron hull is over an inch thick.

Where to look for fossils?

The best and only safe place to find fossils is within the foreshore boulders, here you often find echinoids and bivalves protruding from the surface.

Fossils can be within the foreshore boulders at the foot of the cliff.

During our recent visit the best finds were made to the west of the beach entrance; to the east, the rocks were covered with green algae, making it difficult to inspect the surfaces for fossils. For more information about the features and processes controlling coastal fossil collecting locations click here.

What fossils might you find?

The most commonly found fossils at Dover are echinoids, in particular Micrasters, which are often preserved remarkably well; other fossils include those pictured below.

(Left) A small brachiopod cross section. (Right) A small sponge.

(Left) A long echinoid spine. (Right) A small shark tooth.

(Left) A section of crinoid stem. (Right) Two crushed echinoid shells.

(Left) A perfect echinoid - Micraster. (Right) A rare fragment of lobster claw.

(Left) A complete brachiopod. (Right) A small bivalve.

(Left) An echinoid - Sternotaxis preserved as flint. (Right) A large fragment of mussel-shell.

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 foam, 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.

A great family day out...

(Left) Participants on various Discovering Fossils and Junior Geo fossil hunting events. (Right) Families handle some real fossils at the event base.

Join us on an organised fossil hunt! Discovering Fossils and JuniorGeo have joined forces to provide a series of exciting prehistoric experiences for families and individuals of all ages and levels of knowledge. Our events include an introduction to the geology and fossils, followed by a group fossil hunt where everyone has an opportunity to find and collect a variety of fossils. To find out more CLICK HERE.

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