Boy discovers Jurassic fossils in his own garden in Derbyshire

Boy discovers Jurassic fossils in his own garden in Derbyshire

In Derbyshire, seven-year-old Elliott unearthed ancient fossils dating back 140 million years while working in his family’s garden. The young palaeontologist found limestone rocks filled with Jurassic creatures after they were exposed in the front yard of their Matlock home. Excited by his discovery, Elliott expressed his love for fossils and his eagerness to find more dinosaurs as he described the experience as inspiring and cool.

Elliott’s mother, Gemma, shared his excitement over the findings, although she admitted to being less enthusiastic about her garden being dug up. However, she expressed pride in her son’s discoveries. Dr Susannah Lydon, a palaeontologist at the University of Nottingham, highlighted the prevalence of fossils in the UK, mentioning that they are often hidden under vegetation but can be found in eroded rocks, particularly on the coast.

According to Dr Lydon, the fossils Elliott discovered in Matlock were likely transported from Dorset by either collectors or builders. The rocks, estimated to be between 140 to 180 million years old, contain ammonites – spiral-shelled molluscs that lived in the seas during the time of the dinosaurs. She emphasized that fossil hunting is not limited to experts and encouraged beginners to explore guided tours to learn how to identify the rocks and where to search for fossils, particularly after a storm near cliffs. Through fossil hunting, individuals can witness and appreciate ancient history that has been preserved for millions of years

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