Warden Point, Sheppey, Kent (Fossil Hunt)

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£14.40

7th October 2023 – 9.00am – 12:00pm
Suitable for children 6+
FREE to members

Warden Point on the Isle of Sheppey is probably the most popular site for collecting London Clay fossils in the UK. This location is easily accessed, with lots of fresh fossils constantly being washed out. It is also famous for the wide variety of fossils, which can be found that includes everything from turtles, lobsters and crabs to sharks’ teeth, snakes, crocodiles, molluscs and plant remains.

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Description

* Suitable for children 6+ (All children must be accompanied by an adult).
* HARD HATS (No Cycle Helmets), and HIGH VISIBILITY VESTS or jacket essential. We do not provide these, but you can purchase from our Earthlines.com shop.

MEMBERS FREE, OR £14.40 per person
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Please note, many of our locations will not have toilet facilities, water, or other amenities.

Warden Point is an ideal location for families, but those wishing to visit should be aware that this part of the coastline along the northern side of the Isle of Sheppey can also be dangerous due to tides, deep mud and cliff falls. The clay can become extremely sticky and many have lost a boot or two and have had to walk back without them. Please read our safety notes (below) and be aware of these dangers.

The best way to find fossils is to get on one’s hands and knees, and search in the shingle exposed along the upper part of the beach. Fossils are generally found all year round, as they are constantly being washed out of the London Clay by the sea. The best time to collect is during the summer when the clay is much harder and accumulates more shingle. Whenever you visit, we recommend you visit two hours after high tide. Besides searching the shingle areas, larger fossils can generally be found either along the upper part of the beach after the sea has washed the cliffs or along the extensive foreshore. There are not normally any areas of shingle on the lower part of the foreshore. Instead, fossils here are mostly found in phosphatic nodules that run in bands along the foreshore. The best specimens are found in this way, but are not as common as the smaller fossils found by beach crawling higher up the beach.

FAQ

Can I bring a younger child?

We are sorry, but to comply with insurance cover and to ensure the safety of the event, we do not allow any exceptions.

Can I book over the phone?

Unfortunately, as terms and conditions and waivers need to be signed, we can only accept bookings online.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

This will greatly help us and speed things up, but leaders will have a list of those attending on the day.

Are toilets nearby?

Most events will not have access to toilets. The best places to find fossils are mostly areas away from built up areas, and tend to be quite remote. There are a few exceptions where toilets are close by, but it is best to presume they wont be available.

What happens if the event is cancelled?

We try very hard to avoid having to cancel, but if an event needs to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you immediately.

Can I bring my dog/pet?

UKAFH does not permit members to bring dogs or pets, unless under exceptional circumstances such as guide dogs. Some members may suffer from Cynophobia, or allergies. In addition, we need to ensure the safety of all members. Many beaches also do not permit dogs.

Additional information

Person

Adult, Child