The vast majority of the fossils revealed on this rapidly eroding part of the Jurassic Coast hold very little scientific importance and are not in need of protection or recording (Letters, 28 August). Museums around the world have countless examples of the common fossils from these Lower Jurassic rocks, thanks to the efforts of fossil collectors, who since the pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning (1799–1847) have saved fossils from the same process that reveals them, the action of the sea.
The majority of these scientifically important fossils are saved from destruction after the winter storms, not during the peak tourist season in the summer. Allowing tourists to collect and take home their discoveries helps them foster a sense of curiosity and encourages an interest in the natural world, which is especially important for future generations.
As in any busy tourist destination, there will always be ill-informed tourists. Some visitors have not worked out which rocks to crack open successfully yet, but the next rough sea or storm will wash new fossils out of the mudslides, and if they are not collected they will be damaged and destroyed by the sea.
Here at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, our educational charity welcomes in excess of 100,000 visitors a year. It is free for all to enter and learn more about the past, present and future of our amazing coast through our award-winning displays of recent fossil finds. We also maintain the west Dorset and Undercliffs Fossil Recording Schemes and have records of over 600 fossils of scientific importance that have been discovered here, many by members of the public. We work with academics, researchers, landowners and the public to deliver ethical collecting guidelines (fossil codes), which are management tools on this part of the world heritage site.
Phil Davidson
Palaeontologist, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
