A summer dinosaur dig on the Isle of Wight is being led by Dinosaur Isle.
More than 50 university students from across the county are searching for fossils at Yaverland, in 125-million-year-old land.
Visitors heading to the area can watch them in action.
The summer dig is underway now, until Friday, daily between 10am and 4pm, on Yaverland beach, near Sandown.
What dinosaurs have been found on the Isle of Wight over the years?
- 1978 Part of a Neovenator, a large, carnivorous dinosaur, was first spotted by holiday-makers. Excavated by Steve Hutt, former curator of Dinosaur Isle.
- 2004 Vectiraptor greeni found on the Island.
- 2009 Small Pterosaur found by Islander Daisy Morris, 4.
- 2019 New species of theropod dinosaur - Vectaerovenator inopinatus.
- 2021 Mammoth bone found in Brigshtone
- 2021 Crocodile-faced Hell Heron and Riverback Hunter revealed
- 2022 Europe’s largest ever land-based predator dinosaur on the south-west coast of the Island.
Alex Peaker, collections officer of geology at Dinosaur Isle, said: "The first couple of days of each dig will include leading a field trip and exposing the site; the latter three days of the week is when we are hoping to find some impressive dinosaur remains.
"It’s great that Dinosaur Isle can pass on its expertise and knowledge, that will help the students gain valuable excavation skills, needed for their future vocation."
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for archaeology and heritage, said: "The summer dig provides a unique educational platform for the Island to showcase its famous dinosaur heritage.
"It offers the perfect location and opportunity for students to get that essential hands-on experience and in one of the richest areas for dinosaur discoveries in Europe.
"It’s also a great chance to encourage everyone to become inspired and re-engaged in palaeontology and conservation.”
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Last Updated:
Report this comment Cancel