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UK Fossils Guide
Weymouth, Dorset
The Oxford Clay and Corallian Beds at Weymouth (Furzy Cliff and Redcliff Point) yield ammonites
and the clay is particularly rich in reptile remains. Giant fossil oyster shells are also plentiful. These
locations are best after scouring tides and/or rain, but, at these times, you will need wellington
boots.
Furzy Cliff can be approached from the car park along the A353 at Weymouth. Alternatively,
both locations can be reached by walking along the beach from Bowleaze Cove in either
direction (depending on where you want to go first).
At the end of the sea defence, walking east, Furzy cliff is directly after the sea defence.
However, Redcliff point is quite a walk from here.
50.63340°N
2.43113°W
Find frequency **
Furzy Cliff yields few fossils, since the sea rarely washes the cliffs out. However, fossils are often
found after heavy rain. They are also found at Redcliff Point, which the sea does often wash out, but
these beds are not as productive.
Suitable for children ***
Weymouth is suitable for families. There is a car park, toilets, a cafe and a lovely beach.
Accessibility ****
The two locations at Weymouth are easy to access. There is a short walk to either of the sites from
Bowleaze Cove. Parking is near to toilets and a cafe, and is not far from the town centre.
Type – cliffs and foreshore
Most fossils are found on the foreshore, but they can also be found washed out of the clay on the
slippages, after rain.
Equipment
A pick and/or knife are best at this location. Hammers may be required if looking at the Corallian
Beds at Redcliff Point, but most fossils are found in the Oxford Clay at either location. Suitable
footwear should be worn, especially after heavy rain. Simple containers and small bags can be
taken to transport fossils, which can be cleaned of residual clay at home.

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Geology
At Furzy Cliff, 45m of Upper Oxford Clay is exposed. However, this tends to be badly slipped and it
is very difficult to pin-point any particular beds. The cliffs are rarely washed out, so heavy rain is
usually required for any chance of finding fossils.
Walking further East to Redcliff Point, a full succession of Corallian Beds can be seen. In addition,
the Upper Oxford Clay is well exposed here and contains pyritised ammonites from the Mariae
Zone.
Fossil collecting
These locations are part of the Jurassic World Heritage site, so hammering or digging in the cliff is
not permitted.
At Fuzzy Cliff, it is best to collect fossils after heavy rain, as this often causes slippages. The sea
rarely washes the cliff, but at Redcliff Point, the sea does regularly wash the cliffs, so you have a
better chance of finding something at this location. At either site, search the washed clay on the
foreshore or search the areas of shingle.
At Furzy Cliff, the ammonite, Cardioceras, can be found along with oysters (Gryphaea dilatata and
Lopha). Ichthyosaur, crocodile and crustacean remains have also been reported, but the sea rarely
washes these cliffs out anymore, so collecting is best done after heavy rain.
At Redcliff point, pyritised ammonites of the Mariae Zone can be found.
Safety
Common sense when collecting at all locations should be used and prior knowledge of tide times is
essential. However, Furzy Cliff is rarely washed out by the sea and, as the sea defence is just west
of the cliff, there is little danger here. However, the danger of being cut off from the tide at Redcliff
Point should be noted.
While we (UKGE/UK Fossils) try to ensure that the content of this location guide is accurate and up to date, we cannot and do not
guarantee this. Nor can we be held liable for any loss or injury caused by or to a person visiting this site. Remember: this is only a
location guide and the responsibility remains with the person or persons making the visit for their own personal safety and the safety of
their possessions. That is, any visit to this location is of a personal nature and has not been arranged or directly suggested by UK Fossils.
In addition, we recommend visitors get their own personal insurance cover. Please also remember to check tide times and rights of way
(where relevant), and to behave in a responsible and safe manner at all times (for example, by keeping away from cliff faces and mud).