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Location and directions Directions: This location review does not relate to a specific entry point around Kielder Water. Access can be made at almost any point around the lake. Click on the map above to see a general map of the locality.		Key information Geological period Carboniferous Approximate age 350-290 million years Fossil diversity Vegetation including trees and roots Find frequency Very low Dangers Deep mud and holes in places Equipment None recommended Accessibility Easily accessible / long walk Local facilities Minimal Additional notes Not recommended for collecting
How would Kielder have looked 350 million years ago?

Introduction

Please note, the following page is provided as an indication of the geology of the Kielder Water area.  Fossil collecting is not recommended as exposures are minimal; much of what is displayed on this page was found over 20 years ago.

Kielder Water is a large lake located west of Newcastle.  The geology of the rock dates from the Carboniferous era, around 300 million years ago. During this time the environment was much warmer than today, with much of the earth covered by dense tropical forests as pictured below.

An artist impression of life during the Carboniferous period

Where to look for fossils?

During a summer hot summer several years ago the level of the water had become very low, exposing large areas of land usually concealed by water.  Among these exposures, close to the waters edge, lay the perfectly preserved remains of a tropical forest.  Several large trunks lay parallel to the water, each stretching several feet in length.

The majority of the fossils were embedded into the rock, however several small pieces were loose.  A selection of these can be seen below.

What fossils might you find?

Stigmaria Ficoides - the root of the Sigillaria tree

Scale

Above is an example of Stigmaria Ficoides, the root of the Sigillaria tree.  Each of the dimples on the surface is an attachment point of a rootlet.

Impression of Lepidodendron leaf cushions

This next example above is an impression of Lepidodendron leaf cushions.  These covered the upper part of the trunk and branches of the Lepidodendron tree.

Another section of Stigmaria

The third fossil is that of the Stigmaria tree, with the central vascular tube that ran down the middle of the root clearly visible.

Outer surface of the Lepidodendron trunk

The specimen above is a piece of Lepidodendron trunk from lower down the tree.  The leaf cushions were concentrated on the top, leaving a more 'barky' surface at the bottom of the trunk.

Another large section of Stigmaria

This final fossil is another section of the Stigmaria tree.  The groove that runs down the center was formed as the vascular tissue collapsed.

Many thanks to Andrew Tenny for identifying these finds.

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: Jungle scene from rutahsa.com; Dragonfly by J.Wright at njmg.typepad.com; Vertical fern tree and misty scene by from yunphoto.net/en/. 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