Jurassic Rocks and Fossils Weekend

Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November

Saturday 31st January & Sunday 1st Feruary

Join the Warden Team and Guests for a weekend learning more about how Charmouth and the coast have changed over the last 200 million years

The Centre is situated on England’s “ Jurassic Coast” World Heritage Site and right in the heart of fossil hunting country.

Here at the centre we have been helping people to enjoy the coast for over 20 years, with information on a wide range of subjects from fossils and geology to marine life and the surrounding countryside. If you have already learned a little about rocks and fossils and want to learn more, then join us for a weekend long look at the secrets hidden in the rocks and fossils of the coast. Our wardens and guests will be delighted to share their knowledge and experience with you.

Welcome and Introduction: An opportunity to have a look round the centre and meet your wardens and your fellow hunters for the weekend!

The World Heritage Site and Charmouth: Starting with an overview of the 95 mile long UNESCO World Heritage Site, moving to a focus on Charmouth and covering key geological points. Richard Edmonds, World Heritage Site Earth Science Manager

Palaeontology of Charmouth: A talk from the Geological Wardens about the fossils found in Charmouth, including hand specimens and details about their evolution and preservation.

Guided Geology and Fossils walk (including a lunch stop — lunch not provided): Enjoy a Geologists tour of the beach, describing the stratigraphy, structure and landforms, looking for fossils as we go. Wardens leave the beach at 15.30

Evening talk: 200 years of Fossil Hunting: The Centre Wardens present a light hearted look at the people drawn to our coastline over the last 200 years, and the secrets they unlocked from our rocks.

Ten Million Years of History: Covering the most recent geological changes to our local coast from Ice Ages to Volcanoes! David Harfield, Dorset Geologists Association Group

Fossil Identification A chance to look at your fossil finds from the day before, and with help from the wardens, identify them and learn how best to clean and preserve them.

Fossil Hunting OR Monmouth Beach: Meet at The Cobb for a walk along the famous “Ammonite Graveyard". Alternatively spend some more time fossil hunting at Charmouth.

Time for the wardens to say goodbye. You will be free to continue fossil hunting explore Lyme, visit the museum or start to make your way home.

NB: The schedule for the above activities will vary according to the tide times on the dates given.

Places on the Jurassic Rocks and Fossils weekend are limited to 20, PLEASE CHECK AVALIABILITY by calling (01297) 560772. The academic level of the talks and activities means the weekend is not suitable for under 15’s.

Please print out the form before filling it in. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a registered charity; if you are a UK tax payer could you please fill in the gift aid form next to the booking form to allow us to claim the tax.

Who does it cater for? Those with some present knowledge of rocks and fossils, who want to know more.

Information Pack: On receipt of payment the centre will send you an information pack with directions, local accommodation and transport links, as well as information on what to bring, suitability of clothing for the weekend and health and safety information.

Lunch: Lunch on Saturday will be during the walk, so you will need to provide your own packed lunch. On Sunday lunch will be in Lyme Regis, places to eat may be open, otherwise you will need to provide your own packed lunch.

Evening Meal: There are two pubs in the village (5 mins walk from the centre) which serve both hot and cold food. The centre will provide you with a hot cuppa!

Accommodation: There are many small B&B’ s in the area and also hotel accommodation. If you wish to make enquiries beforehand, please find details of the two local Tourist Information Centres below:

Due to the outdoor nature of this event, the warden team reservethe right to adjust the programme in the event of adverse weather conditions. We operate a strict health and safety policy and all activities are fully risk assessed. The centre is insured to carry out fieldwork and outdoor events.

If you wish to discuss any details of the event Please contact the Warden team on: