Devon/Dorset site for fossil hunting
We will be going to Devon or Dorset later this month. I'd like to try fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast. Can anyone recommend a site that is convenient?
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That's probably the best site for beach access, it's in Seatown with a good pub too. Just a short stroll back in the main village, Chideock, there are at least two CLs. There is also Hook Farm in Uplyme with a nice walk along the river into Lyme Regis or a short drive. The Cobb Car Park is popular with fossil hunters, it's adjoining the undercliff, go when the tides out! The sites in Charmouth are also good as Charmouth runs lots of fossil hunting walks for all ages. Charmouth also has beach front parking. They all get very busy in the summer months.
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At certain times of the year there are Temp Holiday Sites run by the Camping Club at Burton Bradstock. Only a few minutes walk from the beach and cliffs.
There is also a commercial site called Freshwater nearby that looks ok but we have not sayed on it preferring the THS.
Lots of warning signs about rock falls in this area so be aware.
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Good to put a warning about the rock falls, some places are looking very dangerous just now.
So true, we have had quite a lot of wet weather as in 2013. See video of cliff fall in that year at St Oswalds Bay.
When we were in that part of the world, just over a year ago, it was frightening to see how close people were going to the base of the cliff, often with quite young children. Perhaps they should watch this video shot by a Geologist in 2011. It is near Hayle in Cornwall. Slightly different geology, but it shows how rapid and devistating these events can be. Not much chance of serviceable when 200,000 tonnes are involved.
At last, managed to get the link to work. Don't you just love this site?
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Although there are different types of fossil along the "Jurassic Coast" the popular fossil beds are Blue Lias which can be particulrly unsafe in wet weather when mud slides can occur. It is just as much fun to hunt along the beaches near these beds when the tide is out, ammonites and belemnites are often found amongst the beach pebbles which avoids getting too close to the cliffs. Another popular fossil area in the SW is Kilve not far from Minehead.
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It should of course be chance of survival. I was timed out trying to sort link. But you would not be very serviceable either if that lot fell on you.??
Cliff falls have caused fatalities in recent years on the Dorset coast. People fail to use common sense and ignore warning signs.
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It is really amazing to see visitors ignoring the rock fall signs at Burton Bradstock and West Bay. There are some bad overhangs at the moment so cliff path and beach warnings need to be heeded. End of sermon....
And I hope the OP has a good time searching for fossils, there are plenty to find.
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We actually stopped at Wood Farm affiliated site near Charmouth. Very nice, if a little close to main roads, although we did not find it a problem. From there you can walk into Charmoth and then along the foreshore to Lyme Regis. Then bus back. It is important
to check safe transit times, as the rising tide comes right up to the base of the cliff in places. These are available from tourist information in Charmouth. Happy fossil hunting.0
