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Introduction
Kimmeridge is located on the south coast of England, along
the southwestern stretch of the Isle of Purbeck and is an excellent location to explore for
fossils. The coastline is characterised
by tall steep cliffs that run east and west of the beach access. The rock is of the Upper Jurassic period, from
around 150 million years ago, a time when the ocean covered this part of the
world. The cliffs at Kimmeridge are subject to rapid erosion,
providing ideal conditions for finding fossils. The erosion occurs for different reasons throughout the
year. During the winter heavy rain
saturates the cliffs, resulting in frequent land slips. Frost shattering may also occur during
periods of prolonged cold weather.
During periods of hot weather the cliff faces begin to dry, during these
times visitors may observe a flurry of small debris falling from the
cliffs. The sea also contributes to the
erosion, particularly during stormy weather when large waves batter the
coastline.
(Left) View from the west of Kimmeridge, looking east. (Right) View from the east, looking west.
From the beach access point, just south of the village of Kimmeridge, you can head either east or west. Fossils can be found in either direction, but the preferred coastal stretch for most fossil collectors is east.
Additional safety notice Visitors to Kimmeridge should observe strict safety precautions when exploring the beach or cliffs. In the first instance hard hats should be worn to prevent head injury from potential rock falls. Even small debris when falling from high heights can result is serious injury. Secondly the use of hammers or any other hardware is prohibited by the land owners. Visitors should also keep an eye on the incoming tide which on some occasions may isolate parts of the beach.
Kimmeridge is also close to the neighbouring army firing ranges and as such fragments of military warfare can sometimes be found within the shingle (see below). Local signs warn visitors of the dangers - don't touch, they can be dangerous!
A corroded fragment of what appears to be a tank shell.
Where to look for fossils?
Fossils are found in abundance right along the coast (heading East) from Kimmeridge. Pay particular attention to the loose material on the foreshore, as these very often contain ammonites. Other fossils can also be found on the surface of large foreshore boulders; during our last visit we found a lovely Ichthyosaur tooth protruding from the surface.
For more information about the features and processes controlling coastal fossil collecting locations click here.
What fossils might you find? The Kimmeridge Clay reveals a multitude of species originating from the Jurassic period. By far the most frequent finds are Ammonites, usually crushed. However crushed does not always mean 'not beautiful'. The following specimens were found east of the beach access at Kimmeridge Bay.
(Left) Ammonite - Pectinatites wheatleyensis. (Right) Close-up of the Ammonite.
(Left) Ammonite - Pectinatites wheatleyensis in a loose nodule. (Right) Ammonite - Pectinatites wheatleyensis in a foreshore boulder.
(Left) A 3cm Ichthyosaur tooth? (Right) A concentration of crushed bivalve shells.
Fossils can also be found to the west of the beach access point at Kimmeridge Bay. It takes about half an hour to navigate the rocky foreshore to reach the more productive coastal stretches. Below are a small selection of typical fossils you might encounter.
(Left) Ammonite aptychus - closing hatch. (Right) A three-dimensional piece of ammonite shell.
(Left) A pyritised bivalve. (Right) A large bivalve shell.
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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