Meet the Guides
Meet the knowledgeable Fossil Walk Guides from Lyme Regis Museum – a team of experts and enthusiasts who bring the Jurassic Coast to life. With their passion for geology and palaeontology, they’ll give you an insight into what you might find on the walk and the history and science behind it, before leading you out to make your own discoveries on the beach.
Paul Davis – Walk Guide
Dr Paul Davis is the Lyme Regis Museum Geology Curator. He has been collecting fossils & studying the geology of Lyme Regis & Charmouth for over 50 years. He was the Registrar at the Natural History Museum, London and has worked at museums and universities around the world. He is a renowned world expert on the palaeontology and geology of Lyme Regis and Charmouth and edited the book ‘Fossils from the Lower Lias of the Dorset Coast’.
He is also an honorary Patron of the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Even when not working he can often be found looking for fossils along the west Dorset beaches of the Jurassic Coast.
Kieran Satchell – Walk Guide
Kieran Satchell is a keen palaeontologist and is the Learning and Engagement Officer at Lyme Regis Museum. He has a deep passion for inspiring others to learn about fossils, Mary Anning and the wonders of the Jurassic Coast. Kieran graduated from Plymouth University in 2017 with a degree in Animal Behavioural Biology.
Whilst building up experience in science communication, Kieran also worked at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth as the Animal Experience Supervisor before taking on his current position at Lyme Regis Museum. In his role, he leads fossil hunts for schools and the public, whilst also developing the Museum’s education programme.
Kieran has published scientific research on Scelidosaurus, a local dinosaur, and continues palaeontological research on the fossils within the Museum’s own collection in his spare time.
Casey Rich – Walk Guide
Casey Rich is an independent field researcher and fossil enthusiast based on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, where sifting through gravel and clays and chasing tides have become his daily routine. His work centres on the fossil-rich marine deposits of the Jurassic, with a particular focus on the Lower Kimmeridge Clay in the Weymouth area.
Casey has uncovered some rare and scientifically important specimens, many of his finds have been donated to national collections and continue to inform ongoing research. Casey is co-author on scientific papers with leading palaeontologists and was also a Team Leader at the large-scale mammoth excavation in Cerny Wick.
Casey is deeply committed to engagement and outreach; his work bridges palaeontology and archaeology, always rooted in context, conservation, and public contribution.
Chris Legg – Assistant Walk Guide
Chris is an experienced outdoor enthusiast with a lifelong passion for nature and bushcraft. With 18 years of service as a Territorial Army Officer and 16 years as a Scout Leader working with Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers, he has strong leadership and training experience. Chris combines his outdoor skills with a lifelong interest and experience in fossil hunting, especially along the Jurassic Coast.
Lydia Graves – Assistant Walk Guide
“I am a passionate advocate for the Jurassic Coast, where I spend much of my free time exploring and fossil hunting. My deep connection with this extraordinary coastline has led me to work as a Fossil Walk Guide for the Lyme Regis Museum, sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors of all ages.”
Lin Paterson – Assistant Walk Guide
“I have been a keen amateur fossil collector for many years and have extensive knowledge of the local area having lived in Lyme Regis for around 40 years. Previously, I worked at the local primary school as a Teaching Assistant where I gave talks and presentations about the life and times of Mary Anning, bringing life to the subject by dressing up as the famous 19th Century palaeontologist. I can also be found around the Museum, where I help on the front desk and in the shop.”
Chris Gasson – Rock Pooling Walk Guide
“I have been hunting around the foreshore for most of my life, seeking out the hiding places of all our wonderful marine Crustaceans and Fish. I also wander the beaches looking for fossils all year round… some of my finds are in the museum. Anything special and of scientific interest I happily donate to the museum for everyone to see.”
