South West England

Fossil fuels: Hermione at an oil field

South of England

Isle of Wight reveals why it is known as Dinosaur Island - just one of the surprises in the South of England.

Related programme

Fossil Detectives

The team from the BBC/OU series Fossil Detectives discover some of the secrets that can be found in the South West of England

Britain’s Jurassic Coast, stretching for 155 kilometres along England’s South Coast, is one of the most important geological sites in the world. The coastline covers an incredible span of earth’s history, from 65 million year old rocks in the east you travel back through 185 million years of history. Along the Jurassic Coast are some of the best places in the country to search for fossils.

One discovery made here is now recognised to be the best preserved dinosaur fossil ever uncovered in Britain; with 90% of the bones still intact and found in the exact position as it died. Tim Ewin from Bristol City Museum, where the dinosaur is being prepared, explains to Hermione what makes this discovery so exceptional. Tim explains how the dinosaur died, revealing that it vomited moments before death - the fossilised remains of its final meal forever preserved in the animal’s throat.

For many people who live and grow up on the coast, fossils invariably become an important part of their lives. Alex James, legendary bassist from Britpop heroes Blur, grew up a stone’s throw from the Jurassic Coast, and spent hours as a child fossil hunting with his friends. Despite his rock ‘n’ roll reputation, he’s never lost that emotional connection to fossils.

According to regular Fossil Detective Phil Manning, dinosaurs didn’t completely die out after all, their relatives are alive and living amongst us today. And he’s more than happy to prove it, with the help of Sasha an African Tawny Eagle. Fossil Detectives also take a boat trip along the Jurassic Coast to find out just what makes these rocks so globally important; reveal what connects us to fossils on a daily basis; and discover more about a famous fossil collector who became know as the princess of palaeontology.