The Fossil Forest, near Lulworth Cove, Dorset by richard edmonds

The fossil forest is found on a terrace in the cliffs just east of Lulworth Cove. The forest dates back to the end of the Jurassic period, about 145 million years ago.

At the end of the Jurassic, the sea was becoming shallower until eventually a series of islands formed surrounded by swamps. Soils developed on the islands and for a brief period of geological time, a forest became established. Then water levels rose, drowning the trees. Thick mats of sticky algae grew across the forest floor and around the base of the trees and the fallen logs. Sediment stuck to the algae and then more algae formed on top, layer upon layer, forming algal stromatolites. So what we see today is a band of limestone that covers the soil and forms algal burrs around the wood. At one time fossil wood would have been present inside the doughnut shaped burrs but it was collected many years ago.

This site lies inside the Lulworth Range, an army range for life firing. The Ranges are typically but not always, open during weekends and school holidays. Google ‘Lulworth Range opening times’ or phone +44 (0) 1929 462721 extension 4819 for details.

For more information about the fossil forest and the amazing coast around, visit the Lulworth Heritage Centre. The web site ‘Geology of the Wessex Coast of Southern England’ has a detailed account of the geology.

www.soton.ac.uk/~imw/Fossil-Forest.htm 
For more general information about the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, visit:
www.jurassiccoast.com