Just a short walk away from Sidmouth’s bustling seafront, scientists are making important discoveries. Buried within these red rocks are the fossilised remains of remarkable creatures that tell stories of a land lost to time.
This talk showcases the outstanding fossils discovered in Sidmouth over recent years and looks at ongoing scientific study by researchers at the University of Bristol which has greatly improved our understanding of life during the Triassic Period.
Providing us with a tantalising impression of oases in the desert, these remarkably complete and well-preserved fossils are quite unlike the scattered remains often found locally. Taken together, these new discoveries have changed our perception of the importance of Sidmouth’s fossil record and indicate the exciting potential for yet more to be found.
Many of the fossils we will look at are currently on loan to Sidmouth Museum, so do go and check them out!
Dr Chris Reedman is Head of Palaeontology at the Jurassic Coast Trust, the charity responsible for managing and conserving the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Chris completed his PhD on fossil preservation and geochemistry in the Lower Jurassic mudrocks of Lyme Regis and Charmouth. Having been inspired by the Jurassic Coast since childhood, he continues to spend much of his time searching for fossils.