Fossil hunting: How to find fossils on the beach

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" class="no-js"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8"/> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"/> <title>Fossil hunting: How to find fossils on the beach | Natural History Museum</title> <meta name="description" content="Fossil hunting is a fun and easy hobby. A fossil collector from the Isle of Wight explains how you can start finding fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals and plants on your next trip to the seaside. 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You will be able to access your list from any article in Discover.</p> <p>You don't have any saved articles.</p> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="saved-articles__footer-wrapper"> <button id="saved-articles__save-button" type="button" class="saved-articles__add-to-list">+ add current article to list</button> </div> </div> </div> </div>   <div class="section"> <div class="layout-row" data-columns="21">  <div class="article layout-column"> <h1 class="article--title-header">Fossil hunting: How to find fossils on the beach</h1> <div class="article--secondary-info flow"> <div class="article--meta-container"> <div class="article--meta-author">By Emily Osterloff and Calma Hawkes</div> </div> <div class="cluster"> <div class="social-icons-list"> <div class="social-share--container"> <div class="social-share--icons cluster"> <div class="facebook social-share--icon--container"> <a aria-label="Share on facebook" 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16.1402 11.8808 16.8758 12.2524 17.0073C12.2601 17.0229 14.0253 17.9364 15.8835 16.8835C15.8911 16.8758 16.3868 16.6124 17.4009 15.5751C18.4152 14.5376 18.5778 14.375 18.5778 14.375L22.9135 18.6875L22.9367 18.7184C22.9367 18.7184 22.805 20.0732 21.4346 20.0888C20.0643 20.1043 6.66243 20.0964 6.66243 20.0964C6.66243 20.0964 5.20681 20.1738 5.021 18.7028L9.33304 14.3785Z" fill="white"/> </svg> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-gtm-component="like-button-top" class="article-likes-container"> <div class="like-container" data-page-path="/discover/how-to-find-fossils-on-the-beach"> <a href="#" aria-label="Clap button for article likes" class="like-button-link" tabindex="0"> <span class="clap-svg"></span> <span aria-label="38 article likes" class="like-count js-like-count">38</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="article--introduction"><p>You don’t have to be an expert palaeontologist to find fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. </p> </div> <div class="article--content"> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>We spoke to Jack Wonfor from <a href="https://wightcoastfossils.co.uk/" target="_blank" aria-describedby="new-window">Wight Coast Fossils</a> on the Isle of Wight to find out everything you need to know as a first-time fossil hunter on the island. </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;">How to get started</span></h2> <p>Choosing the right location is the first step in a successful fossil hunt. Once you’re in a good spot, fossil hunting is a relatively easy hobby to get the hang of.</p> <p>Isle of Wight local Jack is an advocate for his area, and you can’t blame him for his allegiance to the island. With rocks spanning millions of years of geological time and the ocean steadily eroding the island’s 57 miles of coastline, the Isle of Wight is one of the UK’s best fossil hunting locations.</p> <p>There’s something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned professionals. </p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class="mb-20 flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-portrait-watershoot-bay-two-column.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-portrait-watershoot-bay-two-column.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-portrait-watershoot-bay-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-portrait-watershoot-bay-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-portrait-watershoot-bay-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-portrait-watershoot-bay-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt="A photo of Jack Wonfor. Jack is sat on a boulder on a beach with a rucksack and hammer beside him. "/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p>Jack Wonfor is a fossil collector and co-founder of Wight Coast Fossils, a company that runs fossil hunting experiences in a variety of locations around the Isle of Wight. </p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>If you’ve never looked for a <a href="/discover/what-is-a-fossil.html">fossil</a> before, Jack suggests that the best way to start is to simply give it a go.</p> <p>‘Even if you don’t really know what you’re looking for, just by picking rocks up on the beach on the Isle of Wight, you’re almost guaranteed to find a fossil,’ he explains.</p> <p>‘Some beaches are better than others, depending on what the cliffs are made up of, but on most beaches you're likely to find a fossil. This includes every beach if you’re counting flint fossil sponges.’</p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class="mb-20 flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/fossil-sea-urchin-compton-bay-two-column.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/fossil-sea-urchin-compton-bay-two-column.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/fossil-sea-urchin-compton-bay-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/fossil-sea-urchin-compton-bay-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/fossil-sea-urchin-compton-bay-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/fossil-sea-urchin-compton-bay-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt="A sea urchin encased in rock"/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p>A fossilised <a href="/discover/sea-urchins-strange-and-spiny-wonders-of-the-ocean.html">sea urchin</a> found on Compton Bay, a beach on the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight.</p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p><span>‘The key thing is just going out and looking for stuff,’ says Jack. ‘The more you do, the more you get used to what a fossil is and what isn’t, and the sorts of things to be looking out for.’</span></p> <p>‘Once you know what to look for then you very easily find fossils on lots of beaches. When I was younger I would pick up a lot of things that weren’t fossils. It’s just one of those things that comes with practice.’</p> <p>If you’re not feeling confident in your chances of finding fossils on your first outing, you could choose to be guided by an expert. There are plenty of companies and organisations that offer fossil walks and experiences around the UK, including with <a href="https://wightcoastfossils.co.uk/" target="_blank" aria-describedby="new-window" style="background-color: rgb(255,255,255);">Wight Coast Fossils</a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.dinosaurisle.com/fossil-walks-and-events/" target="_blank" aria-describedby="new-window">Dinosaur Isle Museum</a><span> and the </span><a href="https://ukafh.com/" target="_blank" aria-describedby="new-window" style="background-color: rgb(255,255,255);">UK Association of Fossil Hunters</a><span>. </span><br /> </p> </div> </div> <div class="tile section">  <div id="tile-6d74e4afeb" class="tile__content" style="--tile-backgroundColor: #E4E0DD" data-layout="stacked" data-imgpos="right" data-ratio="twothirds" data-backgroundColor="#E4E0DD" data-gtm-component="tile"> <div class="tile__body"> <div class="tile__heading"> <h3>Where should you look for fossils?</h3> </div> <div class="tile__text"> <p>Looking for a particular type of fossil? Check out <a href="/discover/fantastic-fossils.html">our guide to fantastic fossils in the UK</a> and where to find them. </p> <p>If you’re looking for fossil hunting spots near you, Jack recommends this <a href="https://ukfossils.co.uk/locations/" target="_blank">location guide by the UK Fossils Network</a>, which also highlights what look out for in each area. </p> </div>  </div> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <h2>What kinds of fossils will you find?</h2> <p>What fossils you’ll find really depends on where you are and how old the rocks are. </p> <p>If you are <a href="/discover/how-to-find-a-dinosaur.html">hunting for dinosaurs</a>, the Isle of Wight is a great place to start, with more of these prehistoric reptiles here than anywhere else in the UK. More than 20 <a href="/discover/dino-directory.html">types of dinosaurs</a> have been found on the island so far.</p> <p><a href="/discover/isle-of-wight-dinosaur-island.html">The Isle of Wight is sometimes called Dinosaur Island</a> but there’s much more to find here than just prehistoric reptiles, with fossils 130 million years old through to much more recent Ice Age animal remains. </p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class="mb-20 flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/ice-age-bison-femur-thorness-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/ice-age-bison-femur-thorness-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/ice-age-bison-femur-thorness-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/ice-age-bison-femur-thorness-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/ice-age-bison-femur-thorness-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/ice-age-bison-femur-thorness-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt="A photo of Theo Vickers. Theo is sat on a rock on a beach and is holding a fossilised bison femur."/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p><u></u>One of Jack’s fellow Wight Coast Fossils guides Theo shows off an approximately 115,000-year-old steppe bison femur he found on Thorness Bay. These animals are some of the most common Ice Age mammal fossils found on the Isle of Wight.</p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>One of Jack’s most exciting finds, for example, was a 10,000-year-old horse skull.</p> <p>‘I was on the north coast with one of our other guides, Theo. I was walking along and sticking out of almost knee-deep water was the top of a skull. I bent down to pick it up and it was a complete Ice Age horse skull, with all the teeth and absolutely perfect,’ he recalls.</p> <p>‘It’s not often that you get that, so it was a really cool moment.’</p> <p>We teamed up with Jack and his fellow guides from Wight Coast Fossils, Theo Vickers and Megan Jacobs, to get a taste of what else the Isle of Wight has to offer fossil hunters. </p> </div> </div> <div class="nhm-video parbase section"> <div class="mb-20"> <div class="video-wrapper" data-nhm-videoid="A8XIbStSVj4"> <div id="A8XIbStSVj4" class="youtubeplayer" style="display: block"></div> </div> <script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "VideoObject", "name": "", "description": "Guided Wight Coast Fossils we try our hand at fossil hunting on the Isle of Wight and discover evidence of prehistoric life, from ammonites to dinosaurs.", "thumbnailUrl": "https://img.youtube.com/vi/A8XIbStSVj4/mqdefault.jpg", "uploadDate": "2023-08-01T00:00:00.000+01:00", "contentUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8XIbStSVj4" } </script> <div class="video--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="video--caption"> <p><a href="https://youtu.be/uuy5z1NnbNY" target="_blank">Video with audio description (26 minutes 14 seconds)</a>. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>We visited three locations:</p> <ul> <li><b>Thorness Bay</b> on the north-west coast of the Isle of Wight features rocks between 40-28 million years old. Theo helps us hunt for fossil shells, but this beach can also offer up fossils of alligators, fish, turtles, mammals and even neolithic flint tools used by the island’s <a href="/discover/human-evolution.html">prehistoric human</a> residents.</li> <li><b>Watershoot Bay </b>is a short walk from St Catherine’s Lighthouse, on the Isle of Wight’s southernmost point. It’s mostly made up of Late <a href="/discover/the-cretaceous-period.html">Cretaceous</a> rocks that are around 95-99 million years old. Jack shows us this around spot, which is a great location for marine invertebrates such as <a href="/discover/what-is-an-ammonite.html">ammonites</a>, bivalves and brachiopods, as well as <a href="/discover/shark-evolution-a-450-million-year-timeline.html">shark fossils</a>.</li> <li><b>Compton Bay </b>is on the island’s southwest coast and has rocks about 127-130 million years old. This is the best location for <a href="/discover/dinosaurs.html">dinosaurs</a> on the Isle of Wight, but as Megan shows us, there’s more than just prehistoric reptile bones washing out of the cliffs. <a href="/discover/the-fossil-tree.html">Fossilised wood</a>, sponges and <a href="/discover/dinosaur-footprints.html">footprints</a> were among our finds here. </li> </ul> <h2>What equipment do you need to find fossils?</h2> <p>When it comes to the Isle of Wight, there’s fossil hunting for all levels of expertise. The great thing about getting started here is that you don’t need any specialist equipment. At a minimum, Jack recommends:</p> <ul> <li>A pair of sturdy <b>walking boots</b>, with good ankle support</li> <li>A <b>rucksack</b> to carry your finds in</li> <li>A <b>first aid kit</b>, just in case</li> </ul> <p>While you might see <a href="/discover/meet-the-dino-team.html">professional palaeontologists</a> in movies and documentaries geared up with hammers, chisels, spades and even power tools, as a beginner, you’ll probably have better luck without those.</p> <p>From his own experience, Jack notes, ‘I used to do it when I was younger - I would bring a hammer and chisel, break down rocks and not find a lot. Then I’d walk along the beach and just find stuff.’</p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class="mb-20 flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-hammer-chisel-two-column.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-hammer-chisel-two-column.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-hammer-chisel-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-hammer-chisel-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-hammer-chisel-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-hammer-chisel-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt="A photo of Jack Wonfor using a hammer and chisel to extract a fossil from a boulder"/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p>Leave the tools to the professionals. Jack is a fossil hunting expert and knows which rocks to dig into, but for your first fossil hunting adventure you won’t need a hammer and chisel. </p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>There are places on the island where a hammer and chisel would come in handy, but it takes some expertise to know what you’re looking for. The harder blocks of sandstone at Chale Bay, for example, don’t always show clues of fossils hidden inside.</p> <p>‘There are certain rocks that don’t have anything in, so you have to really know which rocks to break down. A lot of the time there’s not even an edge of a fossil showing, so it’s about recognising and knowing that particular type of rock.’</p> <p>‘Unless you specifically know the rocks, a lot of the time you’re going to have more success by just looking for loose fossils on the beach.’</p> <h2>You don’t need to collect everything</h2> <p>Jack finds fossils every time he goes collecting on the Isle of Wight. But these days, unless the find is particularly exciting, he’ll leave it behind on the beach for a future fossil hunter.</p> <p>‘You need to be respectful of the environment. Try not to leave any mess and leave some fossils for other people to find. You don’t necessarily need to collect everything,’ he advises. </p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class="mb-20 flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/dinosaur-footprint-compton-bay-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/dinosaur-footprint-compton-bay-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/dinosaur-footprint-compton-bay-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/dinosaur-footprint-compton-bay-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/dinosaur-footprint-compton-bay-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/dinosaur-footprint-compton-bay-isle-of-wight-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt="A dinosaur footprint preserved in sandstone"/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p>Can you spot the three-toed <a href="/discover/dinosaur-footprints.html">dinosaur footprint</a>? This is one of many dinosaur tracks you can find at Compton Bay. These trace fossils are protected, so they can’t be collected by fossil hunters, but that also means everyone who visits the beach gets to enjoy them. </p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>But if you’re just starting out with fossil collecting, how do you work out if you’ve found something exciting and worthy of collecting?</p> <p>With practice and experience, you’ll be able to start identifying fossils from their locations, shapes and colours. For finds you’re not sure about, you could take them to a Museum to have them identified.</p> <h3>Fossil identification</h3> <p>Have you found a fossil and want to know what it is?</p> <p>Get in touch with <a href="/take-part/centre-for-uk-nature.html">our Identification and Advisory service</a> in the Angela Marmont Centre for UK Nature. </p> <h2>How to fossil hunt safely and legally</h2> </div> </div> <div class="tile section">  <div id="tile-690a165aa3" class="tile__content" style="--tile-backgroundColor: #E4E0DD" data-layout="stacked" data-imgpos="right" data-ratio="twothirds" data-backgroundColor="#E4E0DD" data-gtm-component="tile"> <div class="tile__body"> <div class="tile__heading"> <h3>Permission and Law</h3> </div> <div class="tile__text"> <p>You will need to ensure you have all appropriate permission and access rights with regards to the areas you visit and anything you extract or take away. Some lands are Sites of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSIs with extra restrictions.</p> <p>Always look up and follow the rules for the specific areas you visit or those imposed by owners or controllers, which can include obtaining permission to access and collect in the area, avoiding disturbing wildlife, and recording what you found and where. In some places you can look but mustn’t collect anything.</p> <p><b>This is a complex area of law, so if in any doubt seek advice.</b></p> </div>  </div> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>In places where you are allowed to collect fossils on the British coastline, there is a code of conduct. Read this <a href="https://data.jncc.gov.uk/data/ab60570e-9e70-4216-924d-90c3390b0715/Fossilcollectingpolicy.pdf" target="_blank" aria-describedby="new-window">Joint Nature Conservation Committee guide</a> before you head to the beach.</p> <p>You will also need to follow a few basic rules to keep yourself safe on your adventures. </p> <h3>1. Cliffs<br /> </h3> <p><span>Cliffs can be unstable and unpredictable.</span></p> <p>Be aware of the danger of falling rocks and make sure to always keep a safe distance away from the base of cliffs.</p> <p>When moving along cliff edges, be aware that there may be no signs or clues of a sudden vertical drop at the cliff face, especially where coastal paths may have eroded away.</p> <p>Never dig fossils directly out of cliffs, as this can make the cliff even more unstable and put you in a dangerous spot. Plus, to dig into cliffs, you would need permission from the landowner. Generally speaking, the person who owns the land atop the cliff, owns the cliff itself.</p> <p>If you spot a fossil that you think may be exciting or important, report it to a Museum such as <a href="https://www.dinosaurisle.com/" target="_blank" aria-describedby="new-window" style="background-color: rgb(255,255,255);">Dinosaur Isle</a><span> on the Isle of Wight, or our identification experts in the </span><a href="/take-part/centre-for-uk-nature.html" style="background-color: rgb(255,255,255);">Angela Marmont Centre for UK Nature</a><span>.</span><br /> </p> <p>If you can’t collect the fossil as it is still embedded in a cliff, make sure to take a photo, note the location and share this information with a Museum. </p> <h3>2. Rising tides</h3> <p>Check the high and low tide times before you head to the beach and keep a note of them with you.</p> <p>Keep an eye on the tide throughout the day. In some areas it can rise much quicker than you might expect and could cut you off. This can leave you in a dangerous, possibly even life-threatening, spot. Make sure you always have a means of retreat should the tide start rising. </p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class="mb-20 flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/watershoot-bay-isle-of-wight-panorama-two-column.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/watershoot-bay-isle-of-wight-panorama-two-column.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/watershoot-bay-isle-of-wight-panorama-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/watershoot-bay-isle-of-wight-panorama-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/watershoot-bay-isle-of-wight-panorama-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/watershoot-bay-isle-of-wight-panorama-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt="A panoramic photo of Watershoot Bay, a rocky beach on the Isle of Wight"/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p>Watershoot Bay’s remote location, cliffs and unstable rocks mean you must take great care when fossil hunting here.</p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <h3>3. Slippery rocks</h3> <p>Rocks along the coastline can be very slippery and wobbly.</p> <p>Walk cautiously over rocky patches, avoid stepping on rocks covered by seaweed and move at a sensible pace. Keep clear of moving rock falls and mudflows.</p> <p>Make sure to wear sturdy walking boots with good ankle support. It’s also sensible to carry a first aid kit with you in case you or someone else slips and hurts themself. </p> <h3>4. Watch where you step</h3> <p>Along with unstable rocks, you might also find other trip hazards left behind on the beach, such as old fishing gear. Although uncommon, in some parts of the UK you could also even come across old unexploded ordnances.</p> <p>Jack says, ‘You just need to watch where you’re stepping because you do get them on the island.’</p> <h3>5. Tools</h3> <p>On the Isle of Wight, the best tools for fossil hunting are your eyes.</p> <p>In most places you won’t need a hammer to help you collect fossils. Many can be found loose on the beach and can just be picked up.</p> <p>For more seasoned fossil hunters, for rocks where a hammer may be necessary to collect a fossil, make sure to wear eye protection while hammering. </p> <h3>6. Let someone know</h3> <p>If you’re going fossil hunting, always let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to return.</p> <p>Take a mobile phone with you in case of emergencies, but remember, in some locations you may not have reliable service. </p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class="mb-20 flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-two-column.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-two-column.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-two-column.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/iow-fossil-hunting/jack-wonfor-fossil-hunting-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt="A photo of Jack Wonfor looking for fossils on a large boulder"/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p>Jack’s interest in fossil hunting was ignited at the age of three when he stumbled across an ammonite in a rock pool. </p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <h2>Why should you try fossil hunting?</h2> <p>‘I think it’s a great thing to get into. You never know what you could find,’ says Jack.</p> <p>‘Knowing you’re the first person to ever see and pick up a fossil is a really cool thing.’</p> <p>‘Every single thing you find is a new record for science, so scientifically it’s great, but as a hobby it’s also great. You get outdoors into the fresh air in a nice coastal setting’.</p> <p>‘You can spend hours fossil collecting, looking amongst the shingle pebbles - it’s really exciting!’<b></b></p> </div> </div> <div class="ctabutton section"> <a class="button button--cta button--filled button--primary button--with-icon button__text" data-gtm-component="cta-button" href="/discover/360-fossil-hunting-adventure.html"> Go on a virtual fossil hunt along Charmouth Beach <span class="button__icon button__icon--chevron"> <svg version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0px" y="0px" viewBox="0 0 150 150" enable-background="new 0 0 150 150" xml:space="preserve"> <path d="M50.03,25.628l50,50l-50,50"></path> </svg> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="article--footer">  <div class="cluster ga-scroll-event-target"> <div class="social-icons-list"> <div class="social-share--container"> <div class="social-share--icons cluster"> <div class="facebook 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