Gileston fossils and fossil collecting
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Low
There are no cliffs or any decent foreshore exposures at Gileston, fossils are collected from the boulders along the beach. Therefore fossils found are very low, often a shell or crinoid stones. |
Foreshore
Fossils are found in boulders which are all over the foreshore. These boulders are from the Blue Lias further up the coast. |
No Restrictions
There are no restrictions at this site, hammering and collecting is permitted. However we ask that you follow our fossil code of conduct which can be found in the link below. |
Common sense when collecting at all locations should be taken and knowledge of tide times should always be noted. There are no special danger notes for this location but please keep away from the power station for your own safety. |
Last updated:
last visited:
Written by: |
22/07/08
2003
Alister and Alison Cruickshanks
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Along the beach at Gileston is a long ridge of pebbles and Boulders, these are all from the Lias and can contain fossils. It is best to search the rocks for any signs of fossils and then split the rocks down. You can find ammonites and shells in the rocks. Further along West, small outcrops can be seen with high cliffs in the distance.
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Jurassic, 200mya |
Blue Lias at Gileston
The rocks at Gileston are of the Lower Lias, similar to those of Watchet which of course it just across the Bristol Channel. These are early blue lias, but differ from those of Watchet since the fossils are completely different. Giant gastropods, bivalves and brachiopods dominate the rocks, with only a few ammonites...[more]
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Stone Tumblers |
Microscopes |
Test Sieves for Microfossils |
If you are interested in fossil collecting, then you may also be interested in a stone tumbler (Lapidary). You can polish stones and rocks from the beach which
will look fantastic polished using a stone tumbler.
You can polish rough rock and beach glass whilst collecting fossils, on those days where you come back empty handed.
These are all high quality machines to give a professional finish to your samples. They can even be used for amber and fossils. |
At most locations, you can find microfossils. You only need a small sample of the sand. You then need to wash it in water and sieve using a test sieve. Once the sand is processed, you can then view the contents using a microscope.
We have a wide range of microscopes for sale, you will need a Stereomicroscope for viewing microfossils. The best one we sell is the IMXZ, but a basic microscope will be fine. Once you have found microfossils, you will need to store these microfossils.
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Test Sieves are used when searching for microfossils. Microfossils can be found in many locations, and all you need is a small amount of sample such as clays, sands and shales, or if you have acid, limestone, oolite or chalk.
Our UKGE Store sells Endecotts Test Sieves, which are the highest in accuracy and extremely durable and long lasting. These Test Sieves are fantastic for microfossils. Endecotts Test Sieves come in a variety of sizes, frame material and types, they are certificated to EU Standards. |
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Our International Rock
and Fossil Magazine |
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From the B4265 at Gileston, take the turnoff to West Aberthaw, you will pass a church, at the junction, turn right. 
