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You are currently here: Home > Fossil Locations > Scotland > Kingsbarns |
In partnership with JuniorGeo |
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Introduction
Kingsbarns is located on the east coast of Fife in Scotland and provides an opportunity to find plant remains dating from the Carboniferous period 335 million years ago. At low-tide the retreating sea exposes a variety of fossils in situ, in particular the roots of the Lepidodendron tree (Stigmaria) which once grew commonly in this part of the world.
(Left) Plenty of parking is available at the beach access point. (Right) The foreshore exposed at low-tide.
Parking is available at the beach car park, from which a small path leads to the beach (see above-left). Although fossils can be found throughout the exposures, most are in situ and are best left for others to enjoy too. Fortunately a small volume of loose material at the top of the beach provides occasional finds worth keeping.
The geology of Kingsbarns
The rocks at Kingsbarns were formed within an expansive delta system during the Carboniferous period (Visean stage), approximately 335 million years ago. Much of the rock exposed today was formed by sediment (sands and silts), carried and deposited by rivers across the region. This period represents a great change in the earth's history, with land plants evolving into large trees and ferns, and amphibians, reptiles and giant flying insects inhabiting the humid forests.
Where to look for fossils?
Unlike other collecting locations, the fossils at Kingsbarns are not apparently obvious and visitors will need to spend some time searching the area to find a productive spot. Fossils can be found in situ on the exposed foreshore at low-tide and within the eroded rock face at the top of the beach. During a single visit visitors are likely to encounter several fossils in situ, in particular roots belonging to the Stigmaria tree and ripple marks formed within the prehistoric sediment.
(Left) Plant fossils can be found in situ on the foreshore at low tide. (Right) Fossils can also be found within lose boulders where the sea has eroded the coast.
Due to the low frequency of situ fossils, we recommend leaving them for others to enjoy; collecting efforts are best concentrated on the lose boulders and pebbles located at the base of the low-cliff at the top of the beach.
For more information about the features and processes controlling coastal fossil collecting locations click here.
What fossils might you find?
The most common fossils along this stretch of coast are the trunk and roots of Lepidodendron trees, which appear in situ of the foreshore. The bark is identifiable by its characteristic diamond-shaped leaf cushions, whereas the roots (known commonly as Stigmaria) are covered by a series of small pits (see below-left), from which smaller root appendages grew. Some Lepidodendron species could grow up to 40 metres; the roots spread horizontally, indicating humid environments.
(Left) A section of Lepidodendron trunk in situ on the exposed foreshore. (Right) Clearly defined prehistoric ripple marks exposed at low-tide.
(Left) A beach pebble containing a concentration of bivalve shells. (Right) The impression of a Stigmaria (tree root).
(Left) A small section of tree stem. (Right) A heavily sea worn section of Stigmaria exposed on the foreshore.
(Left) A small section of tree stem. (Right) A worn fragment of Stigmaria.
(Left) A split beach pebble containing a concentration of plant remains. (Right) The impression of a thin plant stem, possibly a juvenile Lepidodendron.
(Left) A split beach pebble containing a three part leaf. (Right) A large boulder split in half to reveal a mass of plant remains.
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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