Step aside Stephen Spielberg, for a truly Jurassic experience can be found in the perhaps unlikely location of the south coast of England. Spanning 185 million years of geological history, and stretching for 95 miles from Orcombe Point in East Devon to the Old Harry Rocks in East Dorset, The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an absolute must for any ecotourist who finds themselves in the UK.
Some of the world’s most important fossil discoveries have been found along this coastal stretch, including the first ichthyosaur skeleton, and the first plesiosaur.
The green traveller will be pleased to hear that a totally environmentally friendly means of transport can be used to view the whole stretch of this historic coastline (though it might take you a few days) – your feet. A coastal footpath follows the whole stretch of the 95 miles, and it is a public footpath so the whole thing, or whichever part of it you want, can be enjoyed for free.
Anyone can climb down to the beaches and scrabble around the rocks in the hope of finding a few fossils, but your best hope of success lies in the guise of being guided by an expert. Chris Pamplin from Fossilwalks.com has been a fossil hunting guide for 16 years and a fossil collector since he was just 10 years old, so who better to lead your way. What is more, he understands the importance of natural geology and so ecotourists can rest assured that under his guidance you will not be leaving any geological damage in your wake.
Green accommodation can be found at the Fernhill Hotel, which has received a silver award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The hotel features an awarding winning restaurant which serves up local produce, and is situated on the Jurassic Coast bus route, so sustainable local transport can be used to get down to the rocks and start your fossil hunt.