FOSSIL BECOMES MATERIAL

Folkestone: A Legacy of the Cretaceous Period

Folkestone, located in southeastern England, features striking chalk cliffs and exposed geological strata. The region’s rock layers primarily date back to the Early Cretaceous period, around 100 million years ago, consisting of marine sediments.

Fossil History and Notable Discoveries Folkestone is renowned for its abundant marine invertebrate fossils, including ammonites, echinoids (sea urchins), and bivalves. Additionally, rare reptilian remains, such as ichthyosaurs and mosasaurs, have been found. Due to the area's relatively young and easily eroded rock formations, fossils are frequently washed out by tides, making it an excellent site for fossil collecting.

Lyme Regis: The Jewel of the Jurassic Coast

Lyme Regis, situated in Dorset, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. The region’s rock formations date back to the Jurassic period (approximately 200 to 150 million years ago) and consist mainly of mudstone and limestone, which are rich in marine fossils. Fossil History and Notable Discoveries Lyme Regis gained fame through the discoveries of Mary Anning in the early 19th century. She unearthed the world’s first complete ichthyosaur and plesiosaur fossils, contributing significantly to paleontology. The area is also famous for its abundant ammonites and belemnites. Frequent landslides and erosion, particularly after storms, often expose new fossil specimens. Charmouth: A Paradise for Fossil Hunters Geology and Landscape Located near Lyme Regis, Charmouth shares similar geological characteristics, with Jurassic-era rock formations. The area’s beaches and cliffs are continually eroded by the sea, ensuring a steady supply of fossils.

Fossil History and Notable Discoveries Charmouth is well known for its well-preserved ammonites, belemnites, and ichthyosaur fossils, making it an excellent location for discovering Jurassic marine life remains. The easily weathered mudstone makes fossil collecting relatively accessible, attracting amateur collectors from around the world.