Not far from The Outdoor Store, the Jurassic coastline of Dorset is a fossil hunting haven for both novice and experienced fossil collectors. The 150km (95 mile) stretch of coastline covering Dorset and East Devon spans 185 million years of geological history and has been granted World Heritage Status.

Pliosaur Remains found in Dorset

November and April are generally the best times to go fossil hunting in Do

Pliosaur Fossil found in Dorset - BBC

rset as this is the period when mud flows and cliff falls expose fresh material for enthusiasts to explore. Recently, 25 large pieces of a fossil collected by Mr Sheehan, a local amateur fossil collector, were identified by palaeontologists as a Pliosaur. Only one fragment was missing from the front of the jaw. This marine reptile measuring in the range 10-16 meters lived about 140 million years ago and was believed to have been so powerful it could have bitten a car in half.

The extremely rare find, in almost pristine condition, has been purchased by Dorset County Council for £20,000 with money form the Heritage Lottery Fund.

David Tucker, the County’s museums advisor, said:

“Our aim is to purchase fossils found along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and to get them into local museums - we want to put really exceptional fossils in museums.”

Experts think this latest discovery could represent one of the largest pliosaurs ever found.

Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast

The discovery of the pliosaur has captured people’s imagination and they are discovering the joys of fossil hunting along our Dorset coast. If you plan to try it for the first time, it is best to first check the weather forecast and tide tables. High tides and rough seas produce the most fossils but these conditions can be dangerous. At this time of year you need to be equipped with warm jackets, water proof clothing, and sturdy boots and wait until the tide is on the way out before setting off.

The cliffs around Lyme Regis contain lots of well preserved fossils and the safest place to hunt for fossils is the beach, not the cliffs. If you are a novice collector, it is good to watch what other experienced fossil collectors are doing, where they are looking and what sort of rocks they are interested in. Watch how they examine and break the rocks and learn what types of rock are likely to contain fossils.

There exists a fossil collecting code of practice that applies to most of our coastline here in West Dorset. The golden rule is you can continue to keep fossils found on the beach or in material that has already broken away from the cliff, but you must not dig from or chip away at the cliff itself, for safety and other reasons.  The code can be accessed at the Jurassic Coast website.

If you come across something unusual or interesting, take it to the Heritage Coast Centre at the sea front at Charmouth.  The experts can assess and identify your find.

Who knows, you may discover the Pliosaur’s missing jaw piece!

Happy hunting!

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