Fossils on the Seashore: Beachcombing and Palaeontology

While inland sites are increasingly off-limits, the UK’s extensive coastline remains a specimen-rich wonderland of fossils and fossiliferous rock, shining a light on questions of palaeoecology, preservation and trace fossils.

A retired geologist and expert palaeontologist, Dr Stephen Donovan balances scholarly knowledge with practical guidance. Designed for easy reference in the field, each chapter is concise and self-contained, equipping readers with the knowledge to identify fossils, understand ancient ecosystems, and appreciate the processes behind fossilisation

Fossils on the Seashore brings the author’s extensive field experience to life, unlocking the geological and palaeontological secrets of the past from Britain’s remarkable coastal landscapes. It is an indispensable resource for both amateur enthusiasts and emerging palaeontologists.

Contents:

PART I: INTRODUCING ASPECTS OF THE BEACH. 1: Introduction: On the Beach. 2: Molluscs or Pebbles? 3: Sandy Beaches. 4: Pebbles and Cobbles on the Beach. 5: Aktuo Palaontologie. 6: Health and Safety.

PART II: WHAT TO LOOK FOR. 7: Provenance. 8: Corals and sponges. 9: Bryozoans. 10: Crabs. 11: Barnacles. 12: Gastropods. 13: Bivalves. 14: Cephalopods, Scaphopods and Chitons. 15: Worms and Their Tubes. 16:Echinoids.

PART III: WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE. 17: Margate, Kent. 18: Sandown, Isle of Wight. 19: Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex. 20: Overstrand, Norfolk. 21: Easington, Co. Durham. 22: Isle of Mull, Scotland