Location and directions Directions: Access is made along the A35, signposted to Eype, just south of Bridport. Continue on to Mount Lane and head South to the beach. Parking is available on a grassed area, overlooking the sea.  Visitors should head West along along the beach.		Key information Geological period Jurassic (Early epoch) Approximate age 165-105 million years Fossil diversity Ammonites, Belemnites, Crinoids Find frequency Below average Dangers Beware of falling rocks / tidal Equipment Spade, Water trough, Sieves Accessibility Easily accessible by car Local facilities Mininal Additional notes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
How would Eype have looked 165 million years ago?

Introduction

Eype is best appreciated for its scenery rather than diversity of fossils.  The village is located several miles East of Seatown, accessible via the A35.  This report is based on our journey west of the site entrance.

Eype's beach contains two facilities, a small café and limited parking arrangements, as pictured below.

Parking availability is dependent on the rate recent erosion!

Like Golden Cap between Charmouth and Seatown, Eype consists of Cretaceous rock above soft Jurassic clay.

(Left) Cretaceous above Jurassic          (Right) Rapid subsistence

Where to look / What fossils might you find?

During our recent visit there were few fossils to be found within the Jurassic clays.  However a large number of Shells and Belemnites were found within the fallen rocks.  These rocks originate from higher up the cliff, probably from the Cretaceous period, although we are yet to confirm this.

(Left ) Eype Belemnite            (Right) Eype Shell

Eype Shells

For more information about the features and processes controlling coastal fossil collecting locations click here.

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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Picture credits: White Tipped Reef Shark by Alistair Watters at travelblog.org; Belemnite reconstruction from www.abc.net.au.   Safety notice: Fossil hunting can at times pose a risk to personal safety, in particular within environments close to the coast, cliffs or in quarries and when using the tools and equipment illustrated. Discovering Fossils provides a free resource to inform you about this fascinating subject and does not accept any liability for decisions made using this information. We recommend all individuals abide by the 'National Fossil Hunting Code' and independently research the potential dangers before and during the visit.

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Written and designed by Roy Shepherd