Fossils discovered during HS2 works go on display

The fossils have gone on display at Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Fossils discovered during the construction of the HS2 rail project have gone on display to the public for the first time.

The temporary display at Oxford University Museum of Natural History features specimens found during work in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Included in the collection are the partial remains of marine reptiles called ichthyosaurs, as well as those of smaller creatures hunted by the reptiles.

The display also celebrates the work of 19th century palaeontologist prof John Phillips, who was the museum's first keeper and collected fossils during the construction of railways.

Dr Emily Swaby, who is the museum's Earth collections assistant, said the new exhibit would "reflect" on how the railway development had played "such a pivotal role in advancing our geological and palaeontological knowledge".

"Without the efforts of geologists and palaeontologists, from pioneers such as Professor John Phillips to the academics involved in HS2 excavations, who carefully documented and excavated the fossils revealed during these infrastructure projects, our understanding of Earth's history would be far more limited," she added.

They were discovered by contractors working on HS2

Among the fossils being displayed are two ichthyosaur specimens discovered in Greatworth, Northamptonshire, and Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire.

Both are believed to date from more than 150 million years ago, and were discovered by a team of contractors working on HS2.

The team's lead geologist, Giles Hemmings, said it was "amazing to think how much the construction of the railways has contributed to our understanding of Britain's geology and the prehistory of these islands".

"That's why I'm so pleased that all specimens uncovered during the HS2 project will be offered to museum collections, including Oxford University Museum of Natural History, where they can be studied and made accessible for future research."