Meet the team

Left: Bill offers guidance to a DF event participant at Beachy Head. Right: Participants on a DF event at Charmouth examine a pyritised ammonite.

Becoming interested in fossils is no surprise, after all who can deny the natural curiosity to explore the origins on modern life? It's this natural desire to explore and question, which makes fossil hunting one of the most rewarding interests.

The following guide introduces the basic concepts necessary for getting started, including background knowledge, where to look and how to maximise the chance of finding good quality specimens.

What do fossil tell us about the prehistoric times?

The shape of the land and sea is constantly changing. Throughout time the movement of continents and varying sea levels result in an ever changing landscape. What is land now, may be sea in the future and likewise what lies beneath the sea today may form the landscape of the future. Other factors including the accumulation of soils and sediment will also add to the future landscape.

The places we live were all formed over many millions of years. As the rock formed, the creatures which inhabited the land and sea left clues to their existence. These clues are known collectively as fossils. This understanding was first pioneered by William Smith, who discovered that the history of the rock could be determined by its fossil content. His work led to the creation of geological maps, which use colour to illustrate the age of the rock.

Geological map (click here to enlarge)

Geological maps are an essential tool for anyone interested in the study of fossils. The example above shows the basic geology of Europe. The areas shown in pink/yellow indicate rock which was formed in the recent past (up to 65 million years ago). The earliest fossil bearing rocks are coloured purple (up to 545 million years ago).

What is a fossil and how to they form?

Fossils are the remains of creatures which existed long ago. Most fossils are the result of permineralisation, a process which replaces the original creature or plant with rock-like minerals, including calcite, iron and silica).

An ammonite buried beneath layers of sediment.

Not all former life was preserved as fossils, in fact the vast majority simply vanished without trace. The most likely materials to survive fossilisation are the hard parts such as shells and objects, which in life were constructed from resistant materials. In order for softer materials to survive the conditions must be extremely favourable. The most favourable conditions require rapid burial in particular.

Fossils occur in a variety of sizes, from tiny traces to large skeletons. Trace fossils are clues to former life, they result from the activities or presence of creatures and plants. Examples of these traces include footprints, burrows and root tunnels. At the larger end of the scale, fossils also include bones, the largest of which belonged to the dinosaurs, which existed between the Triassic and Cretaceous periods. To learn more about fossil formation click here.

Where and when can fossil be found?

Fossils can be found throughout the year all around the country. The type of fossils depend on the environment and conditions at the time the rock formed. As already discussed, geological maps provide a useful tool to understand these conditions. The best place to find fossils are areas subject to rapid erosion, as these provide a constant supply of fresh material. Among the most rapidly eroded sites are coastlines (beaches and cliffs) and inland (quarries and temporary exposures). Click here to read more about coastlines.

From Left: Charmouth, Bracklesham Bay and Woodeaton quarry.

The erosion of coastal sites can cause the coastline to retreat as much as a metre a year. The rate of erosion depends on the resistance of the rock and the ferocity of the weather.

Throughout the year, the conditions affecting the rate of the erosion differ. During the winter the cliff base is pounded by heavy seas, causing large sections of the cliff face to collapse. Other factors including wind, rain and ice, add to the rate of erosion. During extended periods of sub-zero temperatures, the water logged cliffs freeze, causing the trapped water to turn to ice. As the water freezes to become ice, it expands, forcing the rock apart and resulting in the formation of cracks - a process known as frost shattering.

Erosion also occurs during periods of warm, dry weather. At this time of year the sun heats the cliff face, causing it to expand. This expansion/movement can also result in large scale collapse and a steady flurry of smaller pieces.

Some coastal sites are most productive during the winter. For example, Bracklesham Bay in West Sussex is an excellent place to find fossils within the clay. During the winter the stormy conditions shift large volumes of sand along the beach, exposing large sections of clay; however during the summer the sand steadily accumulates, eventually covering all but the tallest clay outcrops.

Among the other locations to find fossils are quarries. Quarries are manmade excavations into the rock for commercial purposes. Quarry operators extract the rock/minerals for use in a number of ways, depending on the rock/mineral type. The most common use of excavated rock if aggregate for the construction of roads and buildings. Other quarries mine the rock for different purposes, including coal (fossilised wood) - used to fuel power stations and to a lesser extend to heat domestic homes.

Quarries are ideal places to find fossils, especially if the site is working. Before planning a visit, permission must be sought. The reason for acquiring permission is that despite individuals acceptance of their own personal safety, the quarry operator remains liable if an accident was to happen.

What tools do you need to find fossils?

The great thing about fossil hunting is the minimum amount of tools necessary to find, extract and protect your finds. The type of tools and equipment needed vary with the location and rock type. Lu (pictured below) is equipped with most of the tools and clothing necessary for working in quarries and around cliffs. But beware, new walking boots will soon get muddy!

For the full list of recommended tools and equipment click here.

Tools are not always necessary. Many fossils occur within sand or clay, including those found at Bracklesham Bay in West Sussex. In this instance, fossils can be simply picked from the sediment; however, it may be a good idea to bring a digging implement such as a trowel to expose previously unseen sediments.

Clay exposures at Bracklesham Bay.

In other areas a more active approach is required to maximise the chance of finding quality specimens. In Dorset the Jurassic limestone have had over 150 million years to form. In these areas a hammer and chisel may be necessary to split rocks and extract specimens.

Extracting an echinoid from foreshore chalk at Beachy Head.

Some palaeontologists prefer to use a geological hammer, which consists of a chisel-like end for splitting rocks; however in our experience a hammer and chisel is usually the better choice, providing a more controlled, precise method for splitting rock. To learn more about the tools and equipment recommended click here.

What dangers should you be aware of?

Like many outdoor activities, fossil hunting can be dangerous. In fact, some areas are so dangerous access is prohibited. When planning a visit, make sure you have as much information about the location as possible. By understanding the dangers will allow the necessary precautions to be taken. Among some on the questions to ask yourself include:

Is this location a cliff? If so, beware of falling rocks and collapses. Hard hats are highly recommended and is probably best to keep clear of the cliff base (the area directly beneath the cliff face, where rocks are most likely to fall).

Is this location a quarry? If so, is it working/operational? Working quarries require permission to enter and have a health and safety procedure to follow. Among the dangers to consider include: falling rocks, collapses, deep mud and quarry machinery (especially if working). If in doubt always seek the advice of the quarry owners. It is highly recommended to wear a hard hat, suitable footwear (Walking Boots or Wellies) and high visibility jackets.

Is this a rocky area? If so, beware of slippery rocks. Walking boots should be worn to avoid a twisted ankle.

Is this a coastal location? If so, check the tide times to avoid be isolated by the incoming tide.

Is the sediment a form of clay? If so, be careful not to become bogged down, it's easy to lose a pair of boots this way!

For additional information concerning safe fossil hunting, please click here.

Buying and selling fossils

For many people the opportunity to visit certain areas of the world is restricted by both time and money. In this case a good way of extending your collection is by trading your finds with other collectors. Before deciding, it's worth noting a few key points:

Always check the fossil includes information about its source, geology and species. Many fossils are simply traded for their aesthetic appearance, without accurate information, which diminishes their monetary and scientific value. If you're trading your own finds make sure you provide this information to the recipient.

Make sure the fossil is adequately protected during transit, especially if dealing internationally.

Beware of fakes. Many fossils are replicas of actual fossils, especially where complete skeletons are concerned. Although there's no single piece of information to protect you from these traders, a little common sense is usually enough.

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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