Fossil Hunters Starter Pack - Fossil Hunting Tools Kit

Product Information

Charmouth: Just a short distance from Lyme Regis lies the village of Charmouth, which boasts one of the best-kept secrets of the Jurassic Coast. The cliffs and foreshore at Charmouth beach are home to a wide variety of fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, and even the occasional dinosaur bone. Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it requires patience, observation, and a keen eye. Here are some tips to maximize your chances of successful fossil hunting: For those who enjoy road trips, the Jurassic Coast is well-connected by road networks. The A35 and A37 are the main routes that run parallel to the coast, providing easy access to various towns and attractions along the way. Just plug in the coordinates of your desired destination into your GPS, and you’ll be on your way to the Jurassic Coast fossil hunting grounds.

Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s important to prioritize safety. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind: If you’re going hunting very casually, plan to spend 2 to 4 hours hunting. This allows you time to familiarize yourself with the hobby. Once you’re more serious about finding valuable or unique fossils, plan to spend around 4 to 8 hours or more searching. Many useful guidebooks exist and make a great addition to your kit. A simple Google search provides a wealth of knowledge on fossils, but you may wish to consult an expert directly.

Trowels and Spades

After going and buying various products individually, I finally stumbled upon the INCLY 15-piece Geology Kit. This kit provides the essential tools needed for fossil hunting in one stylish bag. Take a look at these features and see for yourself. Before setting out on your fossil search, you must know what types of fossils you want to collect. All living things can leave behind fossils. These can range in size from small shark teeth to gigantic dinosaur bones. You may even find fossilized eggshells, skin impressions, and possibly dung. Look for common fossils: Start by searching for common fossils such as ammonites, belemnites, or brachiopods. These fossils are often more abundant and easier to find, providing a good foundation for your collection. As you gain more experience, you can delve into the search for rarer or more specialized fossils. Remember to approach fossil hunting with curiosity, patience, and respect. Appreciate the beauty of the landscapes, the thrill of the hunt, and the wonder of discovering fossils that have endured through millions of years. Take the time to learn about the fossils you find, share your knowledge with others, and contribute to the ongoing understanding of the Jurassic Coast’s geological heritage. Mary Anning is another major influence on our understanding of ancient creatures. She made some incredibly significant geological finds on the Dorset coast. Her discoveries include the first two plesiosaur skeletons found and the first correctly identified ichthyosaur skeleton. Despite these finds, Anning struggled financially for most of her life, operating independently from the largely male British scientific establishment.

the best all round type of footwear. A strong bag: When considering the type of bag to use, it's worth setting aside Seasonal erosion: Keep in mind that the coast’s geological formations are subject to erosion and changes over time. Winter storms and strong tides can result in fresh exposures of fossils along the beach. Consider visiting after periods of significant erosion to increase your chances of finding newly revealed fossils. When venturing out on a fossil hunting expedition along the Jurassic Coast, it is essential to come prepared with the right gear and supplies. Here are some items to consider bringing: Once you have made your first fossil discovery and have successfully prepared it, you can move to the next step: identification. Fossil identification can become quite complex. Remember to use your tools responsibly and handle them with care. Be mindful of others around you and ensure the safety of both yourself and the fossils you encounter. It’s also essential to follow any rules or regulations regarding the use of tools and collecting fossils in the area.Visit during low tide: The best time to search for fossils is during low tide when more of the beach and foreshore are exposed. This provides greater access to fossil-rich areas and increases the chances of making unique discoveries. While collections are fun, the fossil trade has created many ethical concerns. Amateur fossil hunters and private collectors may deprive scientists of the opportunity to analyze these rare items. Watch out for incoming tides: Stay vigilant and pay attention to the tides to avoid getting stranded on isolated sections of the coast. It’s always best to plan your fossil hunting around low tide, as it reveals more of the beach and allows for easier access to fossil-rich areas. For many budding paleontologists, both young and old, the idea of finding your first fossil goes something like this: a bright day, full of opportunity. You look down and, amazingly, something just happens to catch your eye. In the flash of a moment, you’ve discovered the newest species of dinosaur! Budleigh Salterton: On the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, Budleigh Salterton in East Devon provides opportunities for fossil hunting. The cliffs and beaches here are known for their fossilized wood and plant remains, as well as the occasional ammonite.

Safety goggles: Protect your eyes from flying fragments and debris by wearing safety goggles. When using a hammer and chisel, tiny fragments can chip off and potentially cause eye injuries. Choose goggles that provide proper coverage and fit securely.

Use tools responsibly: Handle your hammer and chisel with care and use them responsibly. Avoid swinging the hammer haphazardly and be mindful of others nearby. Always wear protective eyewear when using a hammer and chisel to protect your eyes from flying fragments. The work of Sir Richard Owen, founder of the Natural History Museum, has left its mark on modern palaeontology. Owen not only coined the term 'dinosaur' (meaning 'terrible lizard'), but described many new creatures and played a huge part in our fascination for the discovery and display of fossils.