The fossil finder: one manβs lifelong search for fragments of Britainβs Jurassic past β photo essay
Richard Forrest has spent half a century combing beaches for ammonites and other fossils. Along the Dorset coast, the constant shift of earth, rocks and sand continually reveals fresh evidence of life millions of years ago
- All photographs by Max Miechowski
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When Richard Forrest walks along the Lyme Regis beach on the Jurassic coast in Dorset, he carries in his small backpack a pointed pick, a geological hammer and an old kitchen knife. But he very rarely uses them until he is back home with a rock or two to work on. βThe most important thing to take with you is your eyes,β he says. βAnd learn what it is youβre looking for.β
Forrest is a fossil finder and has spent more than 50 years on Britainβs beaches hunting for evidence of the countryβs prehistoric past. The Jurassic coast, stretching 95 miles (150km) across Devon and Dorset, is world famous for its treasure trove of ammonites and other fossils that lie, in many places, conspicuous beneath visitorsβ feet. Others are hidden within the cliffs, only exposed after heavy rains bring on one of the regular landslips. βThe best feeling is when you find something you think is potentially interesting and then you get it home and discover that wow, this is really interesting,β he says. βThat feeling is amazing.β
The view from Lyme Regis, looking east
Continue reading...Β© Photograph: Max Miechowski/The Guardian
Β© Photograph: Max Miechowski/The Guardian