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Introduction
East Wemyss would win few awards for its attractiveness, the foreshore is littered with bricks, machinery and construction waste from the neighbouring area. Despite having little in the way of natural beauty, the foreshore boulders provide an opportunity to observe a number of carboniferous fossils, in particular sections of Stigmaria (Lepidodendron tree roots).
Parking is available along the neighbouring coast road, and access to the foreshore can be made over the rocky sea defense or through the small boat yard (with permission). For the reasons described, East Wemyss is best suited for individual fossil collectors rather than families.
The geology of East Wemyss
The rocks exposed at East Wemyss are not in situ, they are in fact 'spoil heaps' - manmade accumulations of dumped rock and rubbish from the surrounding area, probably from the construction of roads and housing in the last century. During our recent visit we noted a number of pieces of pottery and machinery lodged within the many different layers; this is perhaps more of an archaeological site than palaeontological!
(Left) The remains of a building, buried beneath several metres of spoil but exposed more recently by the erosive forces of the sea. (Right) More eroded spoils.
The rocks that make up the spoils were formed within an expansive delta system during the Carboniferous period (Visean stage), approximately 335 million years ago. Much of the rock exposed today was formed by sediment (sands and silts), carried and deposited by rivers across the region. This period represents a great change in the earth's history, with land plants evolving into large trees and ferns, and amphibians, reptiles and giant flying insects inhabiting the humid forests.
The photos above illustrate the nature of the foreshore and reveal the rocks and rubbish deposited on many different occasions. The right-hand picture shows a pile of orange bricks overlying a tightly packed layer of rounded pebbles.
For more information about the features and processes controlling coastal fossil collecting locations click here.
Where to look for fossils?
Due to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the exposures, there's no single place where fossils can be observed in situ, fossil hunting should be directed towards the boulders beneath the low-cliff. The accumulation of boulders on the foreshore is the result of frequent cliff falls, caused by the erosive forces of the sea, pounding the fragile spoils.
(Left) A foreshore boulder containing two pieces of plant material, visible on the outer surface. (Right) A fragment of Lepidodendron tree root - Stigmaria.
Close examination of the foreshore boulders will reveal fragments of plant material, although good specimens are less uncommon. A heavy duty hammer and chisel are needed to split prospective boulders, some of which contain well preserved pieces of Lepidodendron roots - Stigmaria.
What fossils might you find?
The most common fossils at East Wemyss are fragments of tree trunk and roots belonging to Lepidodendron. The bark is identifiable by its characteristic diamond-shaped leaf cushions, whereas the roots (known commonly as Stigmaria) are covered by a series of small pits (see photo below-right), from which smaller root appendages grew. Some Lepidodendron species could grow up to 40 metres; the roots spread horizontally, indicating humid environments.
(Left) Roy holds a split boulder containing a well preserved Lepidodendron root (Stigmaria) complete with smaller root appendages. (Right) Close-up.
(Left) Unidentified plant root (Right) A small section of tree leaf cushions - Lepidodendron
(Left) A fragment of plant stem. (Right) Another fragment of plant stem.
(Left) A small impression of a plant stem. (Right) A split boulder containing a Lepidodendron root (Stigmaria) and scattered root appendages.
Protecting your finds
It's important to spend some time considering the best way to protect your finds onsite, in transit, on display and in storage. Prior to your visit, consider the equipment and accessories you're likely to need, as these will differ depending on the type of rock, terrain and prevailing weather conditions.
(Left) Fossil wrapped in newspaper, ready for transport. (Right) A small compartment box containing cotton wool is ideal for separating delicate specimens.
When you discover a fossil, examine the surrounding matrix (rock) and consider how best to remove the specimen without breaking it; patience and consideration are key. The aim of extraction is to remove the specimen with some of the matrix attached, as this will provide added protection during transit and future handling; sometimes breaks are unavoidable, but with care you should be able to extract most specimens intact. In the event of breakage, carefully gather all the pieces together, as in most cases repairs can be made at a later time...continued.
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