Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast
Monday, October 10, 2016
On the south coast of Devon the village of Branscombe is a hidden little gem. It forms part of the Jurassic coast and there are fossils out there, in the cliffs, just waiting to be discovered. I have to admit, driving to the village was a bit of a nightmare; the narrow roads and numerous tourists did not a merry mix make. In haste and amid (my) concern that there was NOWHERE to park, we left the car at the first opportunity but as it turns out there is plenty of parking down on the coast and some behind the village hall. The village itself appears to be National Trust-ised, with several places to visit like the mill and the forge, plus a tearoom and information point. I took a map of the village and clung to it as if the day depended upon it. We wanted some food so decided to walk to the Masons Arms which was very busy and the tables which weren't occupied had reserved signs up and the bar was busy so we left, with grumbly, rumbly tummies. It turns out that the Sea Shanty beach cafe on the seafront was a real blessing; proper good hearty meals as well as light bites. I indulged in a burger while C ate a fish burger and we felt so much better, all set up for the afternoon.
The cliffs hold the fossily secrets, fascinating for kids and big kids. Looking for stones which have recently been eroded from the cliff face show some promise.The pebbly coast was fascinating. We couldn't stop looking down. Each stone held a possible fossil. DINOSAURS beneath our feet!
Flying thingys went by overhead. I nestled down on the pebbles in the sunshine and just lay back in the sunshine. It was a perfect afternoon for a casual doze.
I found a few smooth stones that I grew rather attached to.
C set himself a target of finding a couple of fossils. There were various ways he tried to open up the rocks and see what was inside.
Woop! This looks great, but we found it on the surface. Finding a stone with a hole in it is lucky, I believe.
Pop your specs on, come a little closer.... See that little shell in the rock? That's a fossil. Oh yes. Better believe it.
That's the Sea Shanty beach cafe, above.
We sat on the pebbles and took turns in throwing stones at our carefully constructed target. I'll admit it took a long while to hit it and I didn't get a single shot on target all afternoon....
We took a hike up the big hill along the footpath towards Beer and the view was lovely, I think it's Sidmouth in the distance.
Looking down into Branscombe.
I'd love to return one day to continue our search for a fossil and maybe do a little bit of rockpooling as well.
Sophie
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