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The NaturePlus Forums will be offline from mid August 2018. The content has been saved and it will always be possible to see and refer to archived posts, but not to post new items. This decision has been made in light of technical problems with the forum, which cannot be fixed or upgraded.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the very great success of the forums and to the community spirit there. We plan to create new community features and services in the future so please watch this space for developments in this area. In the meantime if you have any questions then please email:

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Identification

7 Posts authored by: Fiona - Museum ID team
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LYME REGIS EARTH AND COASTAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

‘Promoting Science To Young People’


the annual event we all look forward to ....

Lyme regis ammonite.jpg

The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival is for the whole family, enthusing about science and earth sciences in particular. Come along, take part, handle specimens, view exhibits . There are lots of activities for hands-on science for all ages. For more information visit: http://www.fossilfestival.co.uk

 

Meet scientists from the Natural History Museum, British Antarctic Survey, Palaeontological Association, Plymouth University, Natural England, Jurassic Coast Trust, Dorset Geologists, Geological Society, Lyme Regis Museum, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust, National Oceanography Centre, Dinosaur Isle and many more

 

2017 DATES:    

 

Thursday 27th April - Secondary Schools Science Day - Thomas Hardye School - bookings only

 

Friday 28th April - Primary Schools Day - Lyme Regis Festival Primary Schools day - bookings only

                                                                       [Schools will take priority on many of the activities until around 2.30pm]


Saturday 29th April - Fossil Festival - Lyme Regis Festival - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC


Sunday 30th April   - Fossil Festival - Lyme Regis Festival - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 


We hope to see you there!


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Festival of Geology 2016

10.30 - 4.30 Entrance Free! ALL WELCOME!

    [nearest stations - Warren Street & Euston]

Fiona Fearnhead, Christina Fisher, Claire Mellish & Joe Collins - representing the NHM

We hope to see you there!

We are in the north cloister, please introduce yourself!

Find out more here: http://www.geologistsassociation.org.uk/festival.html#festivalflyer


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Lyme Regis Fossil Festival - 2016


This annual event is for the whole family where you can enjoy:

  • hands-on science for all ages
  • walks
  • talks
  • theatre
  • music
  • comedy                

 

Entrance to the Grand Marquee is FREE (though donations are encouraged!). Some talks and events in the theatre are priced - please see website for details.

I shall be representing the NHM at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival this weekend. It is a great event for all the family, please pop along and introduce yourself. I shall be in the Natural History Museum marquee outside the theatre. I hope to see you there!


FInd out more here: http://fossilfestival.co.uk/

Jurassic Coast Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Site: http://jurassiccoast.org/events/event/fossil-festival-2016/

 

Lyme Regis Museum is worth a visit: http://lymeregismuseum.co.uk/

Lyme Regis has played a vital party in our understanding of fossils. The famous Mary Anning lived is from Lyme Regis, she was self-educated, working class and a wonderful role model to demonstrate how we can all contribute to science. In 1810-1811, her brother found the 1st complete Ichthyosaur. Her discoveries were some of the most significant geological finds of all time.

 

Ichthyosaurus communis collected by Mary Anning.jpg

Ammonite.jpg

 

Ichthyosaurus communis (Conybeare) collected by Mary Anning from the Lower Lias, Lyme Regis, Dorset.

(on display in the Reptile Gallery at The Natural History Museum, London).

Asteroceras from the Lower Jurassic of Dorset, England.

 

Hope to see you in Lyme Regis!

Best wishes

Fiona



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The 2015 Festival of Geology will take place at University College London

Introduce yourself to Fiona Fearnhead, Christina Fisher and Claire Mellish, representing the NHM

Hope to see you there!


Saturday 7th November 2015  at University College London

Sunday 8th November - Festival field meetings


"Exhibitors from the World of Geology,      Fossil and mineral displays, stonecraft, books, maps,      geological equipment, jewellery, beads, Building Stones      walk around UCL with Ruth Siddall, Tours of the UCL Earth      Science Laboratories, Poetry and Geology and more..."

 

Find our more here: http://www.geologistsassociation.org.uk/festival.html

Festival of Geology poster 2015.jpg

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Hi Fossil lovers!      Tips to help you identify your fossils:


Fossil Guide iBook - a useful resource for the basics about fossils and how to identify many of the common ones.

  • All the major groups of fossils are illustrated with clear diagrams and beautiful, pin-sharp photographs of real specimens.
  • Suitable for beginners as well as those with some knowledge, this authoritative and helpful multi-touch book has been produced by the Open University, in collaboration with the Sedgwick Museum, Cambridge.
  • It covers invertebrates, vertebrates and plants, and each fossil group is illustrated with a gallery of photos.
  • Some specimens are presented as 360-degree rotational objects to provide a tactile feel, and the detailed structure of other fossils is captured with high-resolution views of thin sections under a microscope.
  • The Introduction includes useful advice and tips on responsible fossil collecting. As well as being suitable for the educated amateur, this book will also be useful for teachers and should provide a stimulus for children interested in fossils and the wonderful world of geology.

 

Have fun and let me know how you get on!

Best wishes,

Fiona

 

Resourceweblink
Minerals under the Microscope coverhttps://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/fossil-guide/id765391277?mt=11
2
SPECIMEN LABELS are very important because they provide information that will help with identification and provide useful scientific data (without this information specimens have not scientific value). Please feel free to adapt the specimen labels in the document attached

 

TIPS

1. Print specimen labels before you visit a locality, this will make collecting quicker and easier.

  • You can adapt the specimen labels attached and insert your name to save time and effort.What to include?
  • exact location: name of beach/field/garden/farm
  • Was it loose on the ground or dug up?
  • name of town
  • county
  • country

 

2. If you don't have a label, even a scrap of paper will do ....(I have inserted bus and train tickets which show the date and destination).


3. Keep specimen labels, a pencil and notebook handy along with plastic bags so you can wrap and label your specimens as soon as you find them.

 

4. Newspaper is very useful for wrapping specimens, which also prevents them drying out too quickly

 

 

THE FOSSIL COLLECTOR'S TOOLKIT:Always follow the Geological Code
THE FOSSIL COLLECTOR'S TOOLKIT:
  • hand lens
  • notebook, pencil and marker pen
  • newspaper for wrapping specimens, which also prevents them drying out too quickly
  • appropriate footwear and clothing
  • long-handed trowel, fork, long shoe-horn for overturning small nodules
  • camera
  • First Aid kit
  • hygienic wipes
  • water and a snack!

 

A hammer is useful, but do remember to wear goggles when splitting rocks.

Brushes and a sieve can be useful to avoid carrying unnecessary sand or clay

 

 

Always follow the Geological Code: http://www.rockwatch.org.uk/geological_code.html

The Scottish code may be found: http://www.scottishgeology.com/where-to-go/fossil-collecting/fossil-code/

 

Consider all aspects of heath and safety regarding the site and also from your perpective and the people with you. A useful place for fossil localities, the sorts of fossils that you might find, specific safety considerations and  may be found here. You THere is oftehttp://www.discoveringfossils.co.uk/locations.htm

 

IMPORTANT - Check the times of tides before the visit

 

The essentials of the Scottish Fossil Code:
  • Seek permission – You are acting within the law if you obtain permission to extract, collect and retain fossils.
  • Access responsibly – Consult the Scottish Outdoor Access Code prior to accessing land.

        Be aware that there are restrictions on access and collecting at some locations protected by statute.

  • Collect responsibly – Exercise restraint in the amount collected and the equipment used.
    • Be careful not to damage fossils and the fossil resource.
    • Record details of both the location and the rocks from which fossils are collected.
  • Seek advice – If you find an exceptional or unusual fossil do not try to extract it;
    • but seek advice from an expert.
    • Also seek help to identify fossils or dispose of an old collection.
  • Label and look after – Collected specimens should be labelled and taken good care of.
  • Donate – If you are considering donating a fossil or collection choose an Accredited museum,

                       or one local to the collection area.

 

The Code and associated leaflet may be viewed and downloaded from www.snh.gov.uk. - See more at: http://www.scottishgeology.com/where-to-go/fossil-collecting/fossil-code/#sthash.UjwF72sd.dpuf

hand lens and collecting bag.JPG
Interested in fossils, rocks and minerals and want to get involved?

The Geologists’ Association has its own club for young geologists and families, Rockwatch. For more information: www.rockwatch.org.uk.


More information and useful websites:
http://www.ukge.com/

http://www.discoveringfossils.co.uk/equipment.htm


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Leeds Museum Crinoid Geoblitz.

I thoroughly enjoyed a crinoid Geoblitz (systematic review of crinoids using Geoblitz criteria below) with the curator Neil Owen of Leeds Museum. There were some interesting specimens - I particularly enjoyed seeing the large slab of Woodacrinus crinoids - there were juveniles as well adult crinoids.

 

Stars were given GOLD= High (meets all four of he criteria), Silver and Bronze .

CRITERIA:
  1. Scientific – is of taxonomic or other research importance; including being cited or published.
  2. Historic – associated with a known collector, donor, locality, site, discovery, date or institution; support research in a specific field
  3. Rarity/Uniqueness – internationally, nationally or regionally important; rare in museums collections and/or from an important local or SSSI site
  4. Public Engagement – has an interesting history, has good public engagement potential for display, events or publicity.

GEOBLITZ photo 1 (5) (1).jpg

 

BACKGROUND - Leeds Museum Geology Collection (over 24, 000 Minerals, Rock Types and Fossils from around the world)

The Geology Collection dates back to the 1820’s and has been awarded a “Designated Outstanding Collection” by the Arts Council England.

 

The fossil collection comprises (approx. 12,000 specimens – some were donated from well known collectors:

  • The Ethlered Bennett’s collection of rocks and fossils,
  • Ernest E. Gregory collection of rocks and fossils
  • Cyril P. Castell collection of fossils.

 

What is a Geoblitz? what is the aim?

 

  • To assess the collection and to identify individual specimens, therefore highlight specific key taxa for star grading system.

 

This assessment/identification will be used to enable greater usage/engagement of the collection and promote Star specimens for :

  • Future events
  • Public engagements/Outreach
  • Research.

 

Fiona E. Fearnhead