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Directions: The A595 leads to Whitehaven. Parking is available in public car parks close to the town centre. Follow the coast north using the public footpath. The cliffs are exposed on your right, although they are commonly overgrown.		Key information Geological period Carboniferous - Westphalian Approximate age 307 million years Fossil diversity Plants Find frequency Low Dangers Risk of falling rocks Equipment Hammer, Chisel, Eye Protection... Accessibility Some exposures  are heavily overgrown Local facilities Local shops within 1 mile Additional notes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
How would Whitehaven have looked 307 million years ago?

Introduction

Whitehaven is located on the coast of Cumbria, around 35 miles west of Keswick.  Local street parking is available all year round and a number of pay and display carparks are available at peak times. The cliff section is within easy reach of the town and can be accessed via a short walk along the coast path which runs alongside the railway.  You can also walk along the beach and cross under the railway via the public tunnel, although this makes a better route to return along.

Where to look for fossils?

The cliff base is the best place to explore for fossils and can be accessed from the public foot path which runs alongside the railway.  Fossils can also be found on the beach, although the quality and frequency of finds is lower.  After a short 10 minute walk (North) along the path, you reach a section of cliff where the scree slopes are not covered by vegetation.  Here you can find a good range of quality fossils simply lying on the surface. No attempts should be made to hammer into the cliff face itself, as this is both dangerous and damaging.

The picture above was taken from the public footpath, which is several meters from the base of the cliff.  When making your way through the vegetation be careful of hidden holes, which could easily result is a twisted ankle!

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

What fossils might you find?

It may take a short time to find a suitable section, but when found the results are worth the wait.  The rock at Whitehaven contains a large quantity of plant fossils, which range from single leaves to complete stems.  All of the fossils pictured below were collected within several meters of each other without the need for a hammer and chisel.

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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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