Do not use power tools to take fossils, town asks

New signs encourage responsible fossil collection

A Somerset coastal town is asking beachgoers to only take loose fossils, after reports of people using power tools and chisels to extract the ancient remains.

The coastal town of Watchet is home to several spots popular with fossil hunters. The stretch of coastline between Lilstock and Blue Anchor is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to its Jurassic and Triassic formations.

The town council says it wants people who hunt for fossils there to do so responsibly and sustainably, and has erected warning signs.

Dr Andy King, chief executive officer of the town's geology firm Geckoella, said it was a way of ensuring people could continue the practice long into the future.

Dr King said: "It's a fantastic geological resource, a brilliant geological heritage - you can't fail to go down there and see fossils.

"You can pick fossils up when they're loose, but it's about how people behave responsibly on the beach."

The Fossil Collecting Code, written by a collaboration of organisations and groups affected by or involved in fossil hunting, says trying to break the rocks with hammers or power tools could damage the sensitive coastlines, and should be left to professionals.

The beaches in Watchet have an abundance of fossils

Picking up fossils in general is encouraged by Dr King, who said they would only be washed away into the tide.

He added: "There is a level of protection and this really is about enhancing that protection and that conservation."

Watchet's mayor, councillor Loretta Whetlor, said: "We were very pleased to partner with Watchet Conservation Society and our local experts Geckoella in supporting this initiative.

"We love to welcome all visitors to the area, especially to enjoy our wonderful coastline with its Jurassic geology and fossils.

"New signs have been erected at Helwell Bay and Doniford Beach, our most popular fossil collecting spots, to encourage visitors to follow the responsible code."