Collecting dinosaurs on the Isle of Wight, southern England

Abstract

The Wessex Formation (Wealden Group, Lower Cretaceous) of the Isle of Wight is currently yielding increasing quantities of dinosaur remains. This is due to accelerated erosion of coastal cliff sections, and increasing attention from fossil collectors. The Museum of Isle of Wight Geology acquires such fossils through active field work, donations and purchases. The practical framework for museum field activities is summarised, together with an outline of present conservation and display techniques.