Samphire Hoe Fossil Collecting and Geological Guide to Kent and thousands of photos

Fossils and fossil collecting in
Samphire Hoe, Kent
Location summary information for collecting fossils in Samphire Hoe, Kent

Samphire Hoe

The Lower Chalk exposed at Samphire Hoe is highly fossiliferous. Brachiopods are most commonly found, with corals, urchins, ammonites, shark teeth and more also being present. Microfossils are extremely abundant within the chalk and can be extracted relatively easily.

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Location Information
	Fossils weather out of the cliffs and boulders at the base of the cliffs quite quickly, so there should always be something to find. Many microfossils are guaranteed also.
	(Suitable for Children) An easy walk of about 20 minutes is required to reach the beach where fossils are found. Hazards are minimal, but children should be kept away from the base of the cliffs.
	*There is plenty of parking in a pay and display car park. The walk across ‘The Hoe’ to access the beach is easy. Once the beach is reached, fossils can be found almost immediately.*
	Cliffs / boulders / pebbles Fossils are most abundant where seen weathering out of the cliffs, but it may be dangerous to collect these. They are also often plentiful on the surfaces of weathered boulders and fresh cliff fall debris. The beach is composed of flint pebbles and it is worth having a look over these for occasional flint urchins.
ACCESS RIGHTS	Public footpaths are followed at this location

Grid Reference

British National Grid	TR 29401 39048
Degrees	51.10480°N, 1.27553°E

! IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES !

This is a fairly safe location with few hazards. The sea does not reach the cliffs, except at the very end of the beach, so fossil collecting can be carried out regardless of tides. The cliff can be unstable - avoid hammering into it.

View full Samphire Hoe Fossil Guide