Jurassic coast landslide prompts fossil warden patrols » Environment » 24dash.com

A fossil warden will start patrolling the beaches around Charmouth and Lyme Regis this weekend to make sure people are fossil-hunting responsibly.

Warden Stuart Godman was due to start patrolling again in July but Dorset County Council and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Team are bringing his start date forward following a landslide in Black Ven.

Mr Godman said: "It is essential that people collect fossils responsibly and do not climb where there is an ever-present danger of rock falls and mudflows.

"The best and safest place to find fossils is on the beach where the sea has done all the hard work, washing away the soft mud to leave well preserved fossils in the sand and gravel.

"Following this new landslip, rough weather will wash away the fallen rocks to uncover the fossils on the beach. The slip will also cut off the beach walk with the incoming tide sooner than people expect."

Since the landslide some collectors have been putting themselves in danger by climbing on to the slip in search of fossils. Councils and emergency services are warning people to stay clear for their own safety.

Mr Godman will be based at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. His main focus will be around Charmouth and Lyme Regis, but he will also cover Monmouth Beach and Seatown.

The warden post, created last year, has helped reduce the number of holes caused by digging in the cliffs.