APRIL
This Month’s Fossil: Ichthyosaur:
I found my very first Ichthyosaur fossil while fossil hunting at Lyme Regis beach! It was an amazing find and so exciting to see a piece of the past from millions of years ago. It felt like discovering something truly special!
Why It’s So Special:
The Ichthyosaur was a fast and powerful marine reptile that lived during the age of the dinosaurs. With its dolphin like body and sharp teeth, it was an expert hunter of fish and squid. It was one of the first creatures to fully adapt to life in the ocean, even though it was a reptile!
Fun Facts About It:
• Ichthyosaurs could grow up to 15 metres long, that’s bigger than a bus!
• They gave birth to live babies, not eggs, like many other reptiles.
• Their eyes were huge, and they could see in very deep waters.
Where You Can Find Them:
Ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered in many parts of the world, including the UK, Germany, and North America. The best places to find them are in areas where ancient oceans once existed, like cliffs and rocky beaches. Some fossils are even found on the Isle of Skye in Scotland!
MARCH
This Month’s Fossil: Pliosaur
I found my very first Pliosaur fossil while fossil hunting at my favourite spot - Lyme Regis was an incredible discovery, and I couldn’t believe how big and fierce this ancient creature must have been. It was such an exciting moment to hold a piece of history in my hands!
Why It’s So Special:
The Pliosaur was a massive marine reptile that lived during the time of the dinosaurs. With its powerful jaws, sharp teeth, and huge size, it was one of the ocean’s top predators. It could grow as long as a bus, and its teeth were perfect for hunting large prey like fish and even smaller dinosaurs!
Fun Facts About It:
• Pliosaurs had jaws so strong that they could bite through the thick skin of fish and other sea creatures.
• Some Pliosaurs had teeth over 10 cm long, that’s longer than a grown up’s finger!
• They were great swimmers, using their four powerful flippers to glide through the water.
Where You Can Find Them:
Pliosaur fossils have been found in places like the UK, Germany, and parts of North America. They are often discovered in ancient seabed areas, like cliffs and coastal regions, where the oceans once were. One of the best places to find Pliosaur fossils is in the Jurassic Coast of England, a famous spot for fossil hunters!
FEBRUARY
This Month’s Fossil: Crinoid
I found my very first Crinoid fossil while fossil hunting at Lyme Regis beach! It was an amazing find because it’s so cool to think that these little creatures lived in the oceans so long ago. Holding a Crinoid fossil felt like discovering a tiny part of the ancient sea!
Why It’s So Special:
Crinoids, also known as sea lilies, are ancient marine creatures that lived millions of years ago. Though they may look like flowers, they are actually animals related to starfish and sea urchins! Crinoids used their feathery arms to catch tiny food particles floating in the water. They were common in ancient seas and are one of the oldest creatures we know of.
Fun Facts About It:
• Crinoids are related to starfish, sea urchins, and brittle stars.
• They have feathery arms that can be up to 30 cm long!
• Some Crinoids lived in deep water, while others lived in shallow seas, and they could be found all over the world.
Where You Can Find Them:
Crinoid fossils are found in many places around the world, especially in areas where ancient seas once existed. The best places to find Crinoid fossils are in parts of North America and Europe, including famous spots like the Jurassic Coast in the UK.
JANUARY
I found an amazing fossil that I want to tell you about!
This Month’s Fossil: Ammonite
My fossil of the month is an ammonite! Ammonites are one of the coolest fossils I’ve ever found. They look like tiny, spiral shells that used to belong to sea creatures that lived millions of years ago. These creatures lived during the time of dinosaurs, and their spiral shells are one of the most famous fossils on the Jurassic Coast.
Why Is This Ammonite So Special?
Super Old: This ammonite is about 200 million years old! It’s from the Jurassic period, which is why the Jurassic Coast is so famous for fossils like this one.
Spiral Shape: Ammonites are known for their spiral-shaped shells. The spiral shape helps them float and swim in the water. Some ammonites were really big - some could grow as large as a football! This one was small, but still very cool.
How Did I Find It?
I was walking along the beach near Lyme Regis, tapping on some rocks (just like my fossil hunting guide, Mike Harrison, showed me) when I saw the spiral shape in a rock. At first, I wasn’t sure, but then Mike cracked the rock open carefully, and there it was - an ammonite! It was like finding hidden treasure!
Fun Facts About Ammonites
Not Actually a Shellfish: Even though ammonites look like snails or shells, they are more closely related to squid and octopuses.
They Disappeared: Sadly, ammonites went extinct about 65 million years ago, right around the time dinosaurs disappeared. But we can still find their fossils today!
Great for Fossil Hunters: Ammonites are one of the most popular fossils for collectors. They’re easy to spot in rocks, and they make great souvenirs!
Where Can You Find Ammonites?
The Jurassic Coast is one of the best places in the world to find ammonites! You can walk along the beach at Lyme Regis, Charmouth, or other nearby places, and look for ammonite fossils hidden in the rocks. If you’re new to fossil hunting, it’s a good idea to go with a guide like Mike Harrison, who can show you the best places to look.