Established 2002

Fossil hunting code

Contact details

Written and designed by Roy Shepherd ©2010. Special thanks to my wife Lucinda Shepherd and
friend Robert Randell for their support, and also to the authors whose works have been consulted.

Lucinda Shepherd

Left: Lucinda searching for fossils within the chalk at Beachy Head. Right: Smiling for the camera on a very cold morning at Marloes Sands in Wales.

I grew up in Littlehampton, a seaside town in West Sussex, and lived there all of my life until going to university. I never knew fossils existed in Littlehampton, until I went for a walk along the beach with Roy. After only a short search, I found the first echinoid that day, and the second and soon became hooked!

We soon began to visit West Beach more often, at weekends and holidays when home from University - my aim was to collect enough echinoids so that every child in my class could have access to one!

Collecting fossils combines many things that I feel passionate about. I am a strong believer in first-hand experience and gaining knowledge through personal sensory exploration. Fossil hunting and discovery captures an imagination that cannot be gained through words, pictures or isolated examples. It stimulates an awareness of the world around us, enabling a vivid picture of a specific area to be grasped.

In a world of scientific and technological advancement where we see nothing but hustle and bustle, it is nice to be able to escape. We often overlook what is directly on our doorstep, and what can be done spending little or no money.

You don't need lots of expensive equipment and you certainly don't need to be an expert. It's about discovery and more importantly about having fun!

A Discovering Fossils advertisement

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 fossil hunting guidelines available by clicking on the icon at the top of the page.