Natural England

A part of the fantastic ammonite pavement on Monmouth Beach in the Axmouth to Lyme Regis National Nature Reserve has been damaged by irresponsible fossil collectors.

In October one person was witnessed hammering at the pavement in an area where cracks had opened up as a result of weathering. During the half term holiday approximately 5m2 of the pavement broke away as a result of rough weather.

Richard Edmonds, Earth Science Manager with the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Team said; ‘I have been monitoring the break up of the pavement for the last five years and it is a natural process. However it is very concerning to see such indiscriminate and thoughtless hammering taking place on a feature of the coast that so many people view and enjoy.’

Tom Sunderland of Natural England, who manages the site said 'We are extremely disappointed that someone has tried to illegally remove part of this fantastic geological feature. The pavement is subject to natural erosion which both exposes and destroys it. As a natural process this is acceptable. What is not acceptable is irresponsible collecting that may accelerate that process of destruction.’

The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and sits within the internationally designated Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site, also known as The Jurassic Coast. As England's first natural World Heritage Site, it is celebrated for the exposure of 185 million years of the Earth's history that can be seen along 95 miles of coastline. The internationally significant fossil beds around Lyme Regis are an important part of the reason for inscription on the World Heritage list.

Dr Sam Rose, team leader for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site said 'We are saddened that this has happened to such a beautiful and important part of the World Heritage Site. We hope that people will be vigilant and help Natural England and the police find who did this, and protect our heritage for future generations to enjoy'.

Anyone caught removing or damaging the ammonite limestone pavements within the Axmouth to Lyme Regis National Nature Reserve can be prosecuted under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and fined up to £20,000.

Visitors are being asked to contact the police if they witness anyone damaging the ammonite pavements.

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Notes for editors

Photo available

1. Natural England is here to conserve and enhance the natural environment, for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people and the economic prosperity that it brings. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk

2. The Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site is England’s first natural World Heritage Site, designated in 2001. It covers 95 miles of coastline from East Devon to Dorset with rocks recording 185 million years of the Earth’s history.

3. For further information or photo please contact Christine White at Natural England on 0300 060 1302 or 07900 608017