Q&A Section
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and if relevant, I will add them to this page.
What is the terrain at Folkestone like?
Moderate > Difficult - You need to be able to walk over large boulders and have good balance
Is Folkestone suitable for children?
The suitability of fossil collecting depends greatly on a child’s age and temperament. Regardless of age, it is essential that anyone visiting understands the potential hazards of the terrain and knows how to seek help should an emergency arise.
For families with children, I would personally recommend The Warren over Copt Point.
The Warren offers a much flatter landscape, making it easier and safer to navigate. At low tide, the clay is often exposed on the beach, allowing for accessible and enjoyable collecting opportunities.
Is Folkestone dangerous?
All fossil sites present potential hazards, and Folkestone is no exception. With proper awareness and preparation, most risks can be minimized, but visitors should always exercise caution.
The Gault Cliffs
The cliffs can be unstable and are prone to slips or falls, especially after wet weather. However, rockfalls can also occur in dry, calm conditions, so constant vigilance is necessary. Avoid climbing the cliffs, and be cautious when traversing clay, as it becomes extremely slippery and can cause you to become stuck.
Greensand Boulders
These boulders form the base of the cliffs and foreshore. Their rough, sandpaper-like texture can cause abrasions if you fall, and they often shift underfoot, leading to loss of balance. Always test a rock before putting your weight on it. Boulders below the tideline are usually covered in seaweed and are extremely slippery—avoid walking on them at all costs.
The Tide
Never underestimate the tide, and never turn your back on the sea. Always check tide times in advance (e.g., via the Met Office website). A safe collecting window is generally one hour before low tide until no later than two hours before the next high tide. If the tide height exceeds 6.8 meters, the water can reach the cliffs and cut you off from the shore.
Sun Exposure
There is no natural shade at Folkestone, meaning you will be exposed to direct sunlight throughout your visit. Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring plenty of water, particularly in summer.
Night Collecting
Collecting at night is strongly discouraged. All the usual risks remain, but reduced visibility increases the danger significantly. On my single attempt at a night hunt, I found little of interest and encountered only rats along the rocks.
Bees
Nesting bees can be found at Copt Point, likely Osmia bicornis (red mason bees), which burrow into the Gault Clay cliffs. Their burrows are visible as small holes. These bees are generally docile and I have never felt threatened or stung. However, they are capable of stinging, and those with allergies should take appropriate precautions.
Final Note
Please do not let these warnings discourage you. With care, preparation, and respect for the environment, the risks can be greatly reduced, allowing for a safe and rewarding fossil-hunting experience.
What equipment should I bring?
Folkestone is quite different from Lyme Regis or Whitby, and it is generally unnecessary to crack rocks with a hammer and chisel. The following items are what I typically carry when hunting fossils:
Backpack
All equipment is stored in a backpack for balance and ease of movement. A carrier bag is possible but may compromise stability on uneven terrain.
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Steelpoint
This is my primary tool. The clay can become sticky when wet, and a steelpoint allows you to extract fossils without getting your hands covered.
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Collection Tub
Many fossils are small (under 5 cm) but robust. A single container allows for safe transport until further preparation at home.
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Wrapping Material & Elastic Bands
These are only necessary for larger, more fragile fossils. In most cases, it is safer to transport the fossil still embedded in its matrix for careful preparation later.
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Notepad & Pen / Phone
Useful for recording the location and details of finds. Modern smartphones can also serve this purpose effectively.
Fully Charged Phone
Essential for both recording finds and emergency situations. Some prime collecting locations can be a 30–40 minute walk over the difficult terrain from assistance.
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Battery Pack & Cables
Keep a fully charged backup to ensure your phone remains functional throughout the day.
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Bluetooth Headphones
If collecting alone, headphones allow you to enjoy audiobooks or music without disturbing others.
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Packed Lunch & Snacks
For longer sessions (typically 5–8 hours), bringing food is recommended to maintain energy.
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Water
Hydration is important, especially during summer. I usually carry at least one liter whatever the weather.
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Hammer & Chisel
While usually unnecessary at Folkestone, it is prudent to have them available “just in case.”
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First Aid Kit
Always carry a basic kit. While I have never needed it, it can be crucial for unexpected injuries. One kit per party is sufficient.
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Steel-Toecap Boots
Proper footwear is essential. I wear steel-toecap boots, but wellies or sturdy trainers are acceptable. Avoid flip-flops, as the terrain is uneven and can cause serious injury.
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Gloves
Gloves protect your hands from abrasions and dirt. Fingerless gloves provide dexterity, though they may be chilly in winter.
How large is your fossil collection & what kinds of fossils do you have?
My fossil collection is quite extensive, with over a thousand individual specimens. Many groups of marine animals are represented, including crustaceans, echinoderms, brachiopods, fish, corals, sharks, ammonites, shrimp, and much more. You can learn more about each group on its dedicated page.
How can I reach out to you if I have questions?
If you would like to contact me with any questions, inquiries about my fossils, or simply to say hello, please complete the contact form on my website or email me directly at folkestonefossilfinds@gmail.com
Do I sell my fossils?
Study-grade material is available for sale or trade upon request.
I also sell Fizzy Fossils™, which come in a variety of colour's. Each contains a genuine UK fossil — from shark teeth to ammonites, it’s always a surprise what you’ll find inside! Special blue or pink batches can be made to order for young, aspiring palaeontologists. Retailers interested in stocking the product are welcome to contact me regarding retailer discounts and display boxes.
All proceeds go toward maintaining the website and covering travel costs to Folkestone.
What books do I need to identify my fossils?
Below are some of the reference books I use for fossil identification. I personally prefer physical copies as they are quick to reference, but many papers can now be found in PDF format if that’s your preference. Please click the blue titles to open a new window to a purchase site.
Fossils of Folkestone, Kent
Written by the former fossil curator at Folkestone Museum, this is a clear, easy read suitable for all ages and small enough to take with you on your hunts.
Fossils of the Gault Clay
A superb book containing comprehensive information on the majority of fossils found in the Gault Clay. It features black and white photographs and detailed descriptions — a must-have for anyone collecting at Folkestone.
A monograph of the Ammonoidea of the Gault Parts I-XVI (1-16)
A rare and complete set of papers by one of the original researchers of the Gault. Unfortunately, I do not currently have a link to a full set, but I will update my site if one becomes available.
British Cretaceous Crabs
The essential book for identifying crabs from Folkestone. Some of the black and white images are not entirely clear, but combined with the photos on my website, you should be able to identify your finds with confidence.
A Monograph of the Fossil Malacostracous Crustacea of Great Britain
An excellent resource on fossil crustaceans, particularly lobsters. The plates are detailed drawings rather than photographs, clearly showing carapace features — a must-have for any collector.
Ammonites and other Cephalopods
of the lower Cretaceous Albian (Gault Clay) and Folkestone beds of South East England
A great book featuring clear photographs of ammonites and heteromorphs you can find in Folkestone.
How big are the fossils at Folkestone?
Most fossils found at Folkestone range between 2–20 cm, with the majority around 3–5 cm. Larger specimens, such as ammonites or reptile remains, can occasionally be discovered, but these are exceptionally rare.
How long have you been collecting?
I have been collecting for nearly eight years. My main collection comes from Folkestone, but I have also been fortunate to participate in digs at Abbey Wood and Smokejacks Quarry Pit. Additionally, I have collected at Beltinge for shark teeth and Hastings for reptile fossils.
Are you a Palaeontologist?
I am passionate about palaeontology and continually strive to expand my knowledge of the prehistoric world. However, I have not studied at university or obtained formal qualifications in the field, so I consider myself an amateur palaeontologist.
Is Folkestone classed as SSSI?
Yes Folkestone is designated as a A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
This means it is illegal to dig into the cliffs or bedrock. Collectors may only work with fallen material, although the Greensand rock is quite hard to break. If you believe you have found something of genuine scientific importance, please contact Folkestone Museum — they have the expertise to remove and preserve such fossils safely and correctly.
Do you do fossil walks?
Yes, please feel free to email me to arrange a fossil walk and discuss pricing.
Do you live in Folkestone?
I don’t, though I certainly wish I did! I currently live just outside of London, which means it takes me about 1–2 hours to drive to Folkestone.
How often do you go collecting at Folkestone?
Depending on work and other commitments, I try to visit Folkestone at least once a month, typically on weekends.
Do you have an Instagram account?
Yes — you can find me on Instagram at​ @Folkestone_Fossils
How do I spot a fossil?
That’s a great question — and it varies widely depending on the location you’re collecting in. These days, it’s amazing how much information you can find online.
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The best approach is to research your collecting area:
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Is it marine or terrestrial?
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What is the geological age of the rock?
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Which specific layers are fossil-bearing?​
At Folkestone, for example, most fossils will fit in the palm of your hand or smaller. The photos on my website will help you get used to the shapes and patterns to look for.
Do you have a favourite type of fossil?
I love all fossils! But if I had to choose, I would probably say shark teeth or crustaceans. Both groups offer a fascinating variety of shapes, textures, and sizes.
While other invertebrates such as ammonites and bivalves are equally diverse, I’ve never quite had the same eye for distinguishing their finer details.
What is the best fossil you have found?
That’s a tough question! For me, the best fossils are those that contribute to science. Two of my finds — a chimaera vomerine and a new species of ghost shrimp — have been donated for study, making them particularly special.
Personally, I also cherish my fish skull preserved in a fossil burrow and a jawbone from an undescribed gar pike–like fish, which requires a microscope to appreciate fully.
What was your first ever fossil find?
That’s a fond memory, though sadly the fossil itself was lost during a house move years ago.
It was a bivalve of some sort, found in a large, heavy rock on a beach in Wales when I was around 10 or 11 years old. I kept it proudly on my shelf and would often take it down to admire it — and that sense of wonder never really left me.