other information
What fossils might you find?
All fossils that you will find belong to the Jurassic period of geological time.
To find out more about this, and other geological periods, use the links to the Sedgwick Museum, and view the Jurassic Seas pages, or use the link on the right to the British Geological Survey.
Ammonites
Ammonites were common in the warm Jurassic seas, but became extinct about 65 million years ago. Inside their shells there were chambers filled with gas, which allowed them to float.
We have found one or two large complete ammonite specimens at the quarry, but you are more likely to find fragments.
Echinoids (sea urchins)
Echinoids are commonly called sea urchins. They were common in the Jurassic, and are still plentiful today. You may well find a complete "test" (shell), and if you search carefully you will find fragments of their spines.
The fossilised tests often look like white smooth pebbles, and are slightly heart-shaped.
Gastropods (sea snails)
Gastropods have survived for hundreds of millions of years, and we have found some good specimens in the quarry.
You will still find many species in seaside pools, and land snails may even be a nuisance in your vegetable patch!.
Brachiopods (lamp shells)
Brachiopods have also survived for hundreds of millions of years, but are relatively uncommon in today's oceans.
You may well find a fossil brachiopod in the quarry. Note that the two shells are not symmetrical.
Bivalves (e.g. mussels, clams)
We recognise these as common sea-shells. You may find a complete specimen, you may find large fragments.