A walk in time: what it’s like to hunt fossils on England’s Jurassic Coast

2 MINUTE READ

 

Fossil hunting on England’s Jurassic Coast

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to hold history in your hand? To split a rock and reveal a creature not seen for millions of years? 

Fossil hunting can be more than a pastime. It’s a hands-on encounter with Earth’s story – and there’s no better place for it than England’s Jurassic Coast. Steve Etches spoke warmly of the benefits that amateur fossil collectors, such as himself and Mary Anning, bring to the world of palaeontology in this blog about the fossil hunters and legacy makers of England’s Jurassic Coast. 

And we loved the first-hand accounts of fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast from other collectors such as Chris Glasson, brought to life in this BBC Sounds podcast episode, Illuminated: A Walk in Time. 

“The spiritual solace we crave may lie in the records of deep time,” intones Marcia Bjornerud, the expert geologist whose readings are sprinkled throughout Chris’s narration as he walks the coast looking for fossils. 

Listen, and you’ll hear the back-and-forth hiss of the waves, the crunch of shingle underfoot and the rhythmic tap of the fossil hunter’s hammer. All interspersed with readings from Marcia and, of course, tips on the sort of rocks most likely to yield a fossil. You’ll truly understand how fossil hunting can be more than just a hobby. It’s the perfect companion piece for your own fossil hunting adventure on the Jurassic Coast.

 

 

When you’re ready to walk in their footsteps, join GeoCultura’s Jurassic Coast tour with a guided fossil hunt & Etches museum visit and discover for yourself what it feels like to unearth a fossil from the rocks. Trust us, there’s nothing like it! A snapshot of Earth’s ancient story, right there in your palm.