Mammoth concerns over loss of fossil finds in north Norfolk

The storm surge may have unlocked some more secrets to the area's past at West Runton beach. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE Archant Norfolk 2016

Fears have been voiced that some of the county’s most important archaeological finds could be lost forever if amateur fossil hunters fail to record them.

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This tusk-like object was unearthed at West Runton. Picture: LOUISE O'SHEA This tusk-like object was unearthed at West Runton. Picture: LOUISE O'SHEA

The warning was issued after children were spotted digging into cliffs at West Runton where one of the most complete skeletons of a mammoth ever discovered was unearthed in 1990.

An increase in interest followed the recent tidal surge which uncovered more treasures along the north Norfolk coast.

A hippo head, bison bone, rhino ribs and mammoth molars are among the latest as yet unverified discoveries made in the past fortnight.

Now a district councillor is reminding fossil hunters to report their finds to a local museum so that they can be identified, recorded and help bring the area’s past back to life.

Councillor Sarah Butikofer, who represents The Runtons Ward on North Norfolk District Council, said: “I am concerned that some finds are being lost to public record. I believe a lot of this is due to lack of information available to the public regarding how to register a find, and a fear from finders that items will be confiscated - which they will not.

“In light of the tremendous amount of public interest in the site, I do think some temporary but prominent signage with details of how to fossil responsibly, and to report finds should be erected at the bottom of the two access points.”

But she added: “The most serious issue we are currently facing in West Runton is the continuing problem of people climbing and digging into the cliff faces. The cliffs are extremely fragile at the best of times but recent weather has further undermined their stability. People need to act responsibly and remember it is not just their lives but the lives of others they are putting at risk.”

North Norfolk District Council is currently bidding for funding to rebrand a stretch of coastline the Deep History Coast in recognition of some of the finds made.

Councillor Butikofer said: “In the longer term, The Deep History Coast Project will address (the concerns) with information boards sited in prominent locations to explain to all visitors how to fossil hunt responsibly, and report their finds.”

But she added: “Unless there was another substantial find such as the mammoth I do not believe a large scale excavation of the cliff face at West Runton is the right approach. Many experts have been consulted regarding the best way to preserve as much of the history stored in the river bed and cliffs as possible, and there has been no suggestion of a major excavation.

“Much of the draw of this fantastic natural living museum, is the chance to happen along a piece of history while out enjoying the stunning coastline we have.”

So what should you do when you find a fossil? Former Cromer Museum curator Martin Warren, who was one of the first on the scene when the West Runton mammoth was found in 1990, explains...

“Don’t forget to report your Cromer Forest-bed finds to Norfolk Museums Service at the Norwich Castle Study Centre, Shirehall, Norwich, as they are building a database of such things that will lead to a greater understanding of the deposits.

“They will need accurate find spots and stratigraphic information too, so please record them and curate your specimens using numbers on specimens to link to paper or computer documentation (not your memory).

“In return you will get an expert identification and a warm glow, knowing that you are helping to advance the frontiers of knowledge.”

According to its website, Norfolk Museums Service deals with hundreds of identification enquiries every year. If you have a relevant object that you would like our curatorial staff to identify or find out more information about, you can take it to the Study Centre reception desk (not Norwich Castle), Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Normally identifications take at least 12 weeks, but this could be significantly longer depending on the number of objects, difficulty of enquiry, and workload of the relevant curator. Please note that we can only accept enquiries relevant to our collections, or from the Norfolk/East Anglian region.

For more details visit http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/Visit_Us/Norwich_Castle_Study_Centre/index.htm



