Introduction and Information for collecting fossils in Minehead

Fossil Collecting in Somerset

Minehead

Introduction and Info

Location Information (key)

	(Accepted)

	Area \| Location
	Cliff

(Minehead) - 2002

LOCATION

From Minehead go to the far west end of the sea front and follow the path through the small woods. Just before the path climbs up hill, there is a small path down to the beach, from here, continue west and you will eventually get to the short but tall cliffs.

Fossils from Minehead are quite rare. The rocks are the Hangman Grits from the devonian. Most of the Hangman Grits are unfosiliferious, but occasionally shells can be found. During our 2002 visit, no evidence of life was found.

(Minehead) - 2002

EQUIPMENT

The rocks are extremely hard, a heavy hammer and chisel are required with goggles and good footwear recommended. The easiest way of splitting rocks is to throw them at the large boulders, they will almost instantly slit in half, by hammer this can take several hits.

SAFETY

Common sense when collecting at all locations should be taken and knowledge of tide times should always be noted. You can easily be cut off at Minehead if you go further than the short cliff. Be careful when splitting rocks as splinters can penetrate the body.

(Hangman Grits) - 2002

Images, Graphics & Content - (C)opyright 1998-2004 Alister Cruickshanks
UK Fossils Management - Alister Cruickshanks & Roy Bullard
UK Fossils Curator - Ian Cruickshanks
UK Fossils is a division of CWA Design and run in conjunction with UKGE. UK Fossils contains guides for collecting fossils, geology, photos to identify finds and location information. Whilst we try to ensure that all content is accurate and up to date we cannot guarantee this. UK Fossils takes no responsibility in the accuracy of this content, nor takes any liabilities for any trips, events or exchanges between visitors using either the discussion board or the UK Fossils planner. Any posted trips and events by UK Fossils are personal and not that arranged by UK Fossils, therefore visitors should seek their own personal insurance cover. Please remember to always check the tide times.