fossilcodes.org
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Over the last two centuries, the Jurassic Coast has yielded many scientifically important specimens that have played a fundamental role in the development of palaeontology as a science. Fossils from the West Dorset and Lyme Regis area in particular can be found in museums and scientific institutions across the UK and the world.
Although the rocks of Devon and Dorset have been studied since the early 1800s, discoveries continue to be made here that are new to science or that warrant further scientific research. Since the inception of the fossil collecting codes on the World Heritage Site many research papers have been produced from research on recorded specimens.
Specimen WDS324
The nearly complete specimen of this Jurassic insect (Holcoptera giebeli) was discovered in a seaworn piece of limestone on Black Ven and was recorded as specimen 324 for the West Dorset Fossil Collecting Code. After identification by Dr Andrew Ross, who confirmed it is the most complete specimen of this genus known, the finder donated it to the Natural History Museum in London so it could be researched and described. Within two years the specimen was published and the finder was a co-author on the peer reviewed paper.
Specimen WDS344
Even after over 200 years of fossil collecting and research on our beaches, fossils entirely new to science are still being discovered. This block was discovered as recently as 2017 and represents the first known crocodylomorph fossil found from the beaches of Charmouth and West Dorset.
Donated to Lyme Regis Museum, study of this specimen revealed it to be a new species and genus of thalattosuchian crocodylomorph. A cousin to the branch of crocodylomorph that would evolve into modern crocodiles, these were typically fully marine creatures. In recognition of the finders, the species was named after them as Turnersuchus Hingleyae.
This fossil has not only been the first known crocodylomorph fossil found from the rocks of Charmouth, but also the oldest known thalattosuchian fossil discovered in the world. Research into this fossil, and the associated finds identified by the code, continue to shed light on the origins of this group and on crocodylomorph evolution.
Collectors who recover fossils of scientific interest are encouraged to record them via this website. Once a specimen is recorded, it will be checked by palaeontologists at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre in collaboration with additional experts and then, with the collector’s consent, made publicly visible in the register here.
Should a researcher or museum be interested in more details about a specimen, we will provide the finder/owner with the contact details of the interested party. Personal details of the finder are not passed on to interested parties by the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
For any enquiries regarding recorded specimens please contact the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.