Ammonites, echinoids, and brachiopods, wow!
UK's fossil hotspot: where will you dig up history?
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- A recent study has identified Walton-on-the-Naze as the premier destination for fossil hunting in the U.K.
- This resort town is rich in discoveries, such as shark teeth, fossilized wood, and ancient plant artifacts.
- Other notable locations for fossil hunting include Folkestone, Bracklesham Bay, Seaford Head, and Warden Point.
During extensive periods of Earth's geological history, significant portions of the United Kingdom were submerged beneath a prehistoric sea. Today, the U.K., with its distinctive limestone cliffs, is recognized as a leading destination in Europe for the discovery of prehistoric fossils. Recently, the British train company South Western Railway published a study that compiles the country's top fossil hunting sites – and one specific location stands out as a must-visit for aspiring fossil hunters.
For its analysis, the study examined 23 coastal locations, assessing the likelihood of finding fossils at each based on factors, such as fossil abundance, rock type, and documented discoveries. The study also considered each location's "weather score," which was calculated using average sunshine and rainfall data. The findings were then used to create a list of the 10 most enjoyable places to visit for those interested in emulating "Jurassic Park"'s Alan Grant.
"The U.K.'s stunning coastline contains a wealth of prehistoric wonders awaiting discovery. Whether you're an experienced collector or a family seeking a fun day out, the nation's beaches and cliffs offer numerous opportunities to find fascinating fossils from millions of years ago," SWR stated in its report. "With sites ranging from the towering white cliffs of East Sussex to the unique sandy shores of Dorset, there's a fossil hunting spot for everyone."
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After evaluating all the data, the study named Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex as the best location in the U.K. for finding fossils.
"Walton-on-the-Naze secures the top position as the U.K.'s best fossil hunting destination," the company reported. "In addition to being a popular seaside holiday spot, this town is renowned for its abundance of fossil finds, achieving a fossil find frequency score of 5/5. The Red Crag formation is a hotspot for fossils from the Paleogene period, which dates back 65.5 to 23 million years. Common discoveries include shark teeth, fossilized wood, and plant fossils – including a megalodon shark tooth found in 2023."
Folkestone in Kent ranked a close second. The best opportunity for fossil spotting here is at low tide, when you "might even find pterosaur bone fragments, among other reptile bones" in the area's gault clay (a type of sedimentary rock).
Bracklesham Bay in West Sussex, "renowned for its Paleogene fossils dating back over 65 million years," came in third place. Seaford Head in East Sussex ranked fourth (go here for echinoids, belemnites, and bivalves), while Warden Point on the Isle of Sheppey rounded out the top five.
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