Fossils and Geology

The West Dorset cliffs are fashioned by landslides. Black Ven, between Charmouth and Lyme Regis, is the site of Europe's largest coastal mudslide. Mary Anning made the first significant investigation of this area's past.

The beaches around Charmouth and Lyme Regis are the very best places to find fossils. Ammonites, belemnites and even bones from ichthyosaurs, extinct marine reptiles, are frequently uncovered. Rough weather is the best time to collect fossils - making this an ideal winter break!

Fossil collection

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Lyme Regis Philpot Museum and Dinosaurland contain displays and all run guided walks with local experts, recommended if you want to find out more. In West Dorset, a Fossil Collecting Code of Conduct is in operation - details from the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

Away from the coast, a number of old quarries and footpaths provide the opportunity to explore the geology in relation to the landscape and the changing character of villages through the use of local stone.

Much more detailed information about the
paleontology and geology of this area can be found
on Graeme Caselton's excellent website...

Click here l

Ammonite