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Many thanks to Peter Ryder for writing this location report.
Introduction
You can park amongst the few houses clustering around the end of the road, where access is gained to the coastal footpath. A steep path which involve a rope climb does descend the cliff, although there are currently notices warning of the danger of the landslip. A safer and recommended approach is from Runswick Bay, where there is a public car park, and a walk along the beach of around 2 km; check the tides first.
Kettleness is one of a whole series of headlands on the North Yorkshire coast, with the name 'ness' or 'nose'; it is situated at the east end of Runswick Bay, about 7 km north-west of Whitby. This is Yorkshire's spectacular 'Jurassic Coast'; the cliffs here, around 90 m (300 ft) high are largely of Upper Lias shales, with Estuarine sandstones at the top, and are deeply scarred by both old alum mines and massive landslips. There was a big landslip in the 19th century, which carried several cliff-top houses with it; the inhabitants are said to have been saved by virtue it being Sunday evening and their being in the Methodist Chapel at the time, a little further inland. Another landslip took place two or three years ago, and is still on the move; the waves are eroding its foot, resulting in the beach cobbles currently receiving a good supply of fossiliferous nodules.
To the east, towards Whitby, is a wild stretch of around 4 km of coastline as far as Sandsend, hard going at the cliff foot with few places to get clear of the tide; an expedition here needs careful planning. Take care when hammering nodules; razor-edged fragments can fly.
Where to look and what fossil to find?
Many of these nodules contain ammonites, most commonly Dactilyoceras communis, often pyritised and in superb condition; a well-positioned hammer or chisel blow will often deliver a perfect specimen paired with its imprint. The two other classic 'Whitby' ammonites, Hildoceras and Harpoceras, are present in lesser numbers, along with the odd example of the larger Phylloceras and other rarer types. Various species of belemnites, lamellibranchs, and fossil wood, are also found. Going east from the landslip, around the foot of the ness, a shale bench at the foot of the cliffs is the top of the Middle Lias, and contains odd examples of the broader-ribbed ammonite Pleuroceras spinatum, less easy to extract; one ends up taking home a collection of bits and then sticking them together.
Split nodule containing an ammonite (Dactilyoceras)
To learn more about Ammonites click here. For more information about the features and processes controlling coastal fossil collecting locations
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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