FAQs (fossil walks)
Will we find fossils?
You will certainly see fossils, and you are very likely to find some to take home with you. Your guide, Chris, will be your experienced pair of fossiling eyes and will hand out fossils during the walk for you to take home and keep. Fossils are more likely to be found in the winter months, after storms and heavy rains.
​
Everything you find is yours to keep if it is found loose on the beach (and if you can carry it!)
What do I need to bring?
When you book, you will receive an email with a detailed recommended kit list. It will depend on the time of year what clothes you should wear, but come dressed to be outside for a few hours. You should have waterproofs either on you or in your bag just in case.
​
You will need:
-
Appropriate footwear – boots/strong trainers preferably with ankle support. The beach is very uneven. No open toed shoes or sandals. Wellies are good in winter or after storms.
-
Waterproofs
-
Drinking water, especially in summer.
-
Backpack or bag for carrying fossils and food/drinks.
-
Wrapping material (newspapers, bubble wrap), sandwich bags, containers with lids to keep your finds safe.
-
The beach can be very muddy, so wear old clothes. You might not come back as clean as you went out!
​
You might need:
-
A geological or masonry hammer (really not necessary but if you want to bring a hammer don’t bring a standard DIY hammer). If you have a hammer you should also have protective goggles. Please note that most fossils are found loose, by just using your eyes.
-
A hat for the sun (there is no shade) + sun protection
-
Hand lens (small, handheld magnifier)
Do I need to bring a hammer?
No, you do not need a hammer to find fossils! Most fossils are found loose on the foreshore. Your guide, Chris, will be splitting nodules on the walk. He has many years of experience in spotting exactly the right stones to split.
​
If you would like to bring a hammer, we recommend ordering this hammer for adults, and this kit for children. Do not use standard DIY hammers as the steel on these is softer than many of the stones on the beach. Ensure you are wearing safety glasses whenever you are hammering.
​
If children are using hammers, they will require parent/guardian supervision at all times.
What ages are your walks suitable for?
Anyone of any age can join our fossil walks. We recommend that in order to benefit the most, that children are over the age of 7. Younger children are of course welcome as part of a family group. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
​
I've given walks to people as old as 95! It all depends on your mobility. The beach is very uneven.
Are you dog friendly?
Our fossil walks are dog friendly, as long as your dog has a good temperament with people. Please keep your dog on a lead at all times, and pick up after it.
Which beach do you go to?
All fossil walks are led from Lyme Regis, which has two fossil-rich beaches. One to the east, and one to the west.
​
The west side, Monmouth Beach, is named after the Duke of Monmouth’s ill-fated landing. It is known by some local fossilers as ‘land of the big’. You will see large and impressive ammonites, including the famous ‘ammonite graveyard’, but there are fewer small and pocketable fossils to find. The east side, from Church Cliffs heading towards Black Ven is better for finding loose fossils out on the foreshore.
​
We will take the public walks out to whichever side is productive at the time. If you book a private walk and have a preference, please let me know.
Are the walks suitable for people with limited mobility?
A moderate level of fitness and mobility are required as the ground is uneven. The pace is quite slow, so that we don't miss any fossils! You will be on your feet for the walk (including the talk at the beginning).