Dino Isle leading on dinosaur dig

Published: 27 June 2022

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The summer dig is taking place in the rich, 125-million-year-old fossil beds at Yaverland.

Taking place this week, visitors will be able to watch the dig and see the painstaking work involved.

Alex Peaker, collections officer of geology at Dinosaur Isle, said: “The first couple of days of each dig will include leading a field trip and exposing the site; the latter three days of the week is when we are hoping to find some impressive dinosaur remains.

“It’s great that Dinosaur Isle can pass on its expertise and knowledge, that will help the students gain valuable excavation skills, needed for their future vocation.”

Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member responsible for archaeology and heritage, said: “The summer dig provides a unique educational platform for the Island to showcase its famous dinosaur heritage.

“It offers the perfect location and opportunity for students to get that essential hands-on experience and in one of the richest areas for dinosaur discoveries in Europe.

“It’s also a great chance to encourage everyone to become inspired and re-engaged in palaeontology and conservation.”

Many significant dinosaur finds have been made on the Island.

Part of a Neovenator, a large, carnivorous dinosaur, was first spotted by holiday-makers in 1978 and excavated by Steve Hutt, former curator of Dinosaur Isle.

In 2009, the fossil of a small Pterosaur was found by Islander Daisy Morris when she was just four years old.

And just this month, researchers announced the discovery of the remains of Europe’s largest ever land-based predator dinosaur on the south-west coast of the Island.

The summer dig takes place from 27 June to 1 July, between 10am and 4pm each day, on the beach at Yaverland.

If you keen to learn more about the Islands prehistoric past, visit: https://www.dinosaurisle.com/