Fossils are the remains of plants or animals that lived a long time ago, or at least the evidence of what remains of them. As they died they were slowly covered by earth or sand and this in turn became sedimentary rock, layer over layer, year over year. Over time the plant or parts of the animal, usually the shell or bones, were replaced by iron pyrites or silica, which is the fossil as we see it today.

The best time of year to collect fossils by the sea is at low tide after there has been a storm as the cliffs may possibly have been eroded by the crashing waves.

Be extremely careful when walking near the cliffs as falls can happen at any time.

It's best to spend time looking on the beach itself as many of the falls dislodge the fossils among the stones. The most frequent times for storms on the south coast of England are during the late autumn and winter months through from November to the early spring.

Fossil collecting is possible throughout the south west of England with excellent sites in Dorset at Charmouth, Portland and Lyme Regis and Somerset at Minehead, Watchet and Quantoxhead to name only a few.

At many of these sites you will be able to find corals, Ammonites, Shells, Belemnites, Echinoid's, Brachiopods, Bryozoans, Bivalves and Pteraspids and possibly even giant fossil Oyster shells, reptile or Ichthyosaurus remains.

	Stay on marked public paths and tracks
	If you have to cross over private land get the permission of the owner first
	Always have the right equipment and clothes
	Always let someone know where you are going
	Always check tide times before setting off
	Take notes of where you find fossils
	Leave some fossils behind for others
	Be careful of where you are collecting, cliffs may fall at any time
	Always take your litter home
	Tell the experts if you find something amazing

The beaches around Charmouth and Lyme Regis are famous for fossils and anyone can find them. But there are some important points to remember. The best, and safest place to collect is on the beach and not up in the cliffs. The cliffs, like cliffs anywhere, are prone to rock falls so it is common sense to stay well clear. Also, along this stretch of coast there are landslides and mudflows and it is all too easy to get stuck, especially after wet weather. The autumn, spring and winter are the best times to collect because this is when erosion is at its greatest and the fossils are being uncovered. You don't need a hammer to find fossils, many are simply lying on the beach. Finally, always aim to walk along the beach when the tide is going out.

For further information on fossil collection in the region follow these links; www.jurassiccoast.com or
www.discoveringfossils.co.uk & www.fossilwalks.com

Please click on the accommodation pages if you are looking for somewhere to stay in the area and the attractions pages if you are looking for other places to visit with the family while you are here.

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