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Directions: Access is made via the A149 along Lighthouse Lane. Parking is available in allocated car parks along the cliff-top. Walk north along the coast past the lighthouse. A public footpath leads to the foreshore. From the access point head south along the beach.		Key information Geological period Cretaceous Approximate age 111-93 million years Fossil diversity Ammonites, Belemnites, Echinoids... Find frequency Average Dangers Risk of falling rocks Equipment Hammer, Chisel and Eye Protection... Accessibility Easily accessible Local facilities Local shops within 1 mile Additional notes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
How would Hunstanton have looked 111 million years ago?

Introduction

Hunstanton is an excellent place to find fossils and a highly recommended family location.  The rate of erosion is great, due to the lack of sea defenses and subsequent wave action to the cliff base.

The location is one of the most spectacular geological formations, with the lower white chalk sitting on top of the striking red chalk - caused by iron oxide (rust) within the chalk.  Below these two layers sits a grainy rock, known as Carstone - where it may be possible to find the occasional ammonite.

Where to look for fossils?

Fossils can be found in both the white and red chalk.  During our recent visit we concentrated on the foreshore and recent cliff collapses. 

A hammer and chisel are necessary to remove specimens from the boulders.  A geologist hammer alone is not recommended because precision is required to prevent damaging the fossils.

The best way to find fossils is to carefully examine the weathered surfaces of the foreshore boulders.  The wind, rain and sea have eroded the surface, leaving literally thousands of fossil pieces exposed.  Most of the fossil fragments are from large mussel shells, these appear as chunks of brilliant white within the white chalk.  Other common finds include echinoids (sea urchins) often partially exposed on the surface.

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

What fossils might you find?

The least common finds at Hunstanton are the ammonites, however this makes them highly prized and worth spending the time to find.  During our recent visit, Brian (pictured below) found a wonderful ammonite specimen, partly exposed on a foreshore boulder.  Close inspection of the surface indicated the position of the Sutures.  The next step will be to prepare the fossil from the underside, which should hopefully be intact.

Brian finds a large ammonite in a foreshore boulder.  The true quality of the specimen will be revealed by preparing the reverse-side.

(Left) A small gastropod.  (Right) Well preserved brachiopod.

Two examples of different species of sponge.

(Left) Finely detailed sponge. (Right) Crustacean burrows.

(Left) Large mussel shell. (Right) Large bivalve shell.

(Left) Irregular echinoid impression. (Right) Irregular echinoid.

(Left) A crustacean burrow. (Right) A Worm-tube.

(Left) Shark tooth. (Right) Belemnites.

Two examples of complete Regular Echinoids - found on the foreshore boulders. (Right) Hyposalenia?

Many thanks to everyone who attended our visit to Hunstanton. 

Click here for more pictures of our recent visit to Hunstanton

In summary, Hunstanton is one of the best locations in Norfolk to find fossils.  The cliffs are simply spectacular and promise a good range of fossils.  The best time of year to visit is the winter or after periods of heavy rain/seas, when the rate of erosion is at its greatest.

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: Echinoid by M.Mora at asturnatura.com; Reef by J.Dowell at Reefnews.com; White Tipped Reef Shark by A.Watters at travelblog.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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Written and designed by Roy Shepherd