fossilcodes.org
The West Dorset and Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs Fossil Collecting Codes
Scientifically important fossil finds along the western stretch of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site are recorded by the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. They work with both the public and professional collectors to record any key scientific finds. These records are then available for experts and museums to view specimens that may warrant further study.
The area surrounding Charmouth and Lyme Regis is one of the most important sites in the world for Lower Jurassic fossils. New and important discoveries are still being made along this coastline and it is essential that important fossils are collected before they are destroyed by the sea.
Following the fossil collecting codes on this site ensures the sustainable collection of fossils, the protection of this World Heritage Site and the transfer of ownership of fossils found to the finder.
Two fossil collecting codes are in place along the western Jurassic Coast site. The West Dorset Fossil Collecting Code extends from Lyme Regis to Hive Beach at Burton Bradstock. The Undercliffs NNR Fossil Collecting Code extends from Lyme Regis to Axmouth.
West Dorset Fossil Collecting Code of Conduct
Undercliffs NNR Fossil Collecting Code and Recording Scheme- Version 2
Sustainable Collecting
The code sits within a wider rationale regarding the effective management of fossil sites and that is based on the simple idea that the sites where fossils come from vary in their sensitivity to collecting. Sites such as Charmouth require active collecting effort in order to rescue the fossils as they are exposed by erosion but other sites, such as a cave deposit or abandoned mine tip are finite in their reserves and collecting has the potential to damage or even completely destroy them. The approach has been developed by Natural England, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Jurassic Coast Word Heritage Site Team.
Collectors
The Fossil Collecting Code requires collectors not to dig in situ within the cliffs without permission and to record specimens of key scientific importance with the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Fossils are being uncovered every day and if they are not collected, they will be destroyed by the sea. For this reason, it’s very important to work with the local collectors who are able to go out at a moment’s notice after the big winter storms and landslides. Their knowledge and experience of the local coast and its fossils make them key to recovering scientifically important specimens.
If collectors abide by the code, then ownership of the fossils they find on National Trust and Charmouth Parish Council land will be transferred to them. Ownership is transferred in recognition of the time, skill and effort made by collectors in the recovery and preparation (cleaning) of the specimens. If collectors want to sell important fossils, then they must first offer them to an accredited museum in the UK.
Any collectors who have found fossils along the West Dorset coast which could be considered as scientifically important are encouraged to report and record their finds here. Please contact the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre if you have any questions about the code or reporting a fossil.
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6LR
Tel: 01297 560772
Either email info@charmouth.org or use our contact form.