Always collect safely and responsibly.

Stay away from the cliffs and never hammer at the cliffs.
Stay away from mud flows.
Look up before you look down, rockfalls are common all year around.

Only collect on a falling tide.

Tell someone where you are going and how long you will be.
Respect other beach users, not everyone is here to collect fossils.

VISITORS FOSSIL HUNTING CODE

If you are planning to visit Charmouth to collect fossils the best possible starting place is a visit to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. The wardens here will be able to give you advice on where to look, what you might find, how to use a hammer to find fossils and how to look after any fossils you do find.

Fossil collecting is all about you having fun, but it is just as important that you remain safe as well. The following code has been devised by the Centre, it is endorsed by the Geologists’ Association, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the National Trust, Charmouth Parish Council, English Nature and the Jurassic Coast Word Heritage team. Download the Pdf version HERE.

Fossil Collectors' Code

 

The beach is the best place to find fossils NOT the cliffs. Collect from fallen material only,

 

 

You do not need a Hammer to find fossils. If you use one ONLY use geological a hammer.