An exciting new fossil exhibition is opening this month at Sidmouth Museum, showcasing rare and globally important specimens collected from East Devon’s famous red rocks.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the museum and the Jurassic Coast Trust, and comes as part of a series of exhibitions across Devon and Dorset that celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site’s inscription. The specimens on display date to the Triassic Period, around 245 million years ago, and many have been the subject of detailed and innovative study by scientists at Bristol University. This research has greatly enhanced our understanding of the palaeoecology of the Triassic’s desert landscape, and has fundamentally changed perceptions of the Site’s importance on the global stage.
Specimens include the partial skull of a temnospondyl (a long-extinct carnivorous amphibian that could grow to the length of a small car), and Feralisaurus corami, a new species of reptile named after its discoverer, Rob Coram.
Feralisaurus corami, a new species of reptile from the Triassic rocks of Sidmouth. © Mark Witton
Chris from JCT says: “This exhibition demonstrates the enormous potential that comes from working collaboratively with fossil collectors, scientists and local museums. Here, we use new specimens and innovative scientific research to tell stories of an arid Triassic desert and the freshwater oases that dotted this landscape and enabled life to flourish. Join us as we share these exciting fossil discoveries for the first time.”
Ann from Sidmouth Museum says: “We are very grateful to Bristol University and the Jurassic Coast Trust for allowing Sidmouth Museum to display these amazing fossils, it is so good to see them come home.”
JCT and Sidmouth Museum would like to thank the Curry Fund of Geologists’ Association for their financial support.
The museum is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm. Admission is £2.50 per adult, free for people aged 16 and under. Find out more at sidmouthmuseum.co.uk
