Barton-on-sea (Hordle) fossils and fossil collecting
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Suitable for Children
Providing that children DO NOT attempt to climb the landslips, they can collect on the foreshore. Climbing the slippages at Barton on sea is highly dangerous. We also recommend visiting at low tide for children as the sea can often reach the based of the slipped cliffs. |
Foreshore, Cliff
Most of the fossils can be found on the foreshore at Barton on Sea, especially after storms or scouring conditions, but fossils are also commonly found on the slippages especially after rain. However, this can be dangerous and should only be attempted if the clay is stable, such as during the dryer summer months. |
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.
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Common sense when collecting at all locations should be taken and knowledge of tide times should always be noted. Although one can be cut off by the tide, this is not a major cause for concern as the slippage's can be climbed. The danger is on these slippage's and on the foreshore especially during winter months. Barton clay can become very soft and dangerous and care should be taken at all times, collecting is not recommended directly after heavy and long spells of rain. Bogs within the slippage's are very deep and sometimes difficult to see.
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Barton-on-sea
Tide Times
UK Tidal data is owned by Crown Copyright, and therefore sadly we are not allowed to display tide times without paying expensive annual contracts. However we sell them via our store, including FREE POSTAGE
Click here to buy a tide table |
| Last updated: |
2012 |
| last visited: |
2011 |
| Written by: |
Alister and Alison Cruickshanks |
Locations similar to Barton-on-sea
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Barton is an excellent location for fossils, some of the shells can be fragile, so bring lots of paper to wrap them with. In most cases all you need tools wise is a good eye as most of them can be picked off the foreshore without too much work. |
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The Barton beds are famous for over 600 species of shells. The beds change from West to East, to collect a variety of shells, it is best to work your way along the beach, walking along the base of the slippages. Fossils can be found on the foreshore and at the base of the cliff and during scouring conditions, at the lower part of the foreshore.
Although cliff climbing is not recommended, many of the cliff slippage's are full of shells as rain water has washed then down the clay. Extreme care should be taken if planning on searching the slippages, although often good shells can be found. It is easy to become stuck and it can also be life threatening too. If you do plan to explore the slippages, make sure someone else is with you and walk carefully ensuring that you tread on hard ground.
Sharks teeth are regularly found, though these are often easier to find on the shore shingle. The shark teeth come out of the A2 beds together with many other fish remains such as pieces of fish jaw which can be found scattered across the beach in the sand and single. This bed continues upwards at Highcliff to the middle of the cliff, although these are quite poorly slipped.
It is best to arrive on a fairly high tide and stay until the tide retreats as sharks teeth can be found for quite some way out laying on the sand around this area. Some of the fish pieces can be found in flints in this same area.
Geology of the Barton Beds at Barton-on-Sea
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Eocene, 36mya |
The Barton Formation is from the Bartonian age of the Upper Eocene. This is well known for being part of the Hampshire basin. The clays tend to be very sandy in the lower part, dark sandy clays with stiff drab clays in the middle part and light coloured clayey sands in the lower part. The Barton Clay in general is extremely fossiliferous. The Plateau Gravel is from the Pleistocene just after the Brickearth beds. .[more]
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Metal Polishing |
Geological Sieves |
Microscopy |
Metal Barrelling Machines are used for de burring, polishing, cleaning or removing surface scratches from metal and jewellery.
These are ideal for cleaning or polishing a variety of metals including brass, silver, steel and gold. They can be used for silver clay and other hobbies.
The machines have a barrel with special fins inside, which helps turn the metal round, to polish or debur. We sell a variety of different sized machines from hobby to commercial. |
We offer geological sieves with the same high quality design as Test Sieves, but since they are not scientifically calibrated, we can offer low prices and keep these sieves in stock, ready for dispatch. Made using the highest quality Stainless Steel, and are robust for continuous long term use.
Choose between 200mm and 300mm, in a range of mesh sizes, 3.55mm, 2mm, 1mm, 0.5mm, 0.3mm, 0.25mm, 0.125mm, 0.63mm with optional lids and receivers.
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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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Head towards Highcliff along the A337 and turn down Waterford Road. You can park at the end of the road leading onto Wharncliffe Road. 
