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Discovery

Fossils

Discover why Lyme Regis in Dorset is such a famous locality for fossil collecting that people still flock here 200 years after Mary Anning's first famous discovery.  That find was the marine reptile Ichthyosaurus, which she found with the help of her brother Joseph.  Many other creatures from the early Jurassic swam with the Ichthyosaurs in the seas that covered Lyme Regis 200 million years ago.  Species new to science are still being uncovered here.  Discover more about some of these exciting finds.
Find out more about the fossils of Lyme Regis
 

Fossil finds on our Fossil Walks

Examples of what you might find on our Fossil Walks
See examples of fossil finds
 

Small ichthyosaurFossil finds on the beach

Examples of recent fossil finds in the Lyme Regis and Charmouth area
Click here for information on our Fossil Walks.
See examples of local fossil finds
 

Fossils as you see them on the beach

Most people who come to Lyme Regis want to see fossils on the beach and hopefully find some fossils to take home with them.  This will tell you a bit about the things you might see on the beach and although we cannot guarantee you a fossil we hope it makes your beach visit more enjoyable.
Discover more about the fossils you can see on the beach
 

Rockpools

The limestone and shale ledges on either side of Lyme Regis are regularly exposed by the low tides.  An exploration of the rockpools they contain can reveal a wealth of marine life.  Discover some of the problems faced by creatures living in the harsh conditions of the rocky shore. Click here for information on our Rockpooling walks.
Read more about life on the rocky shore
 

Fossils as Living Creatures

Most fossils we find are the hard parts of creatures, such as their shells, bones and teeth.  Only rarely are soft parts found preserved.  So what did the fleshy parts of fossilised creatures look like and how do we Know?
Compare fossils to living creatures