Cork scientists encourage members of the public to go fossil hunting

Scientists from University College Cork (UCC) have launched an initiative encouraging members of the public to go fossil hunting.

The Great Irish Fossil Hunt campaign, which began at the college on Wednesday, asks citizen scientists who may come across fossils in their area to take a picture and log it with the UCC research team.

The images submitted via the online form will then be used to build a fossil map of Ireland which will be launched later this year at a major Fossil Expo taking place at UCC during Science Week.

Easy to find

Dr Jess Franklin, senior public engagement officer with the campaign team said it is relatively easy to find fossils all around the country.

“There are lots of fossils exposed in rocks along the coast, but you don’t have to go that far — fossils are also really common in our footpaths and building stones — you can literally pass fossils on your way to your local corner shop.

“Now, we’re asking people to take a quick snap of these fossils with your mobile phone and send it to us.”

The campaign form includes a section where the Google Maps location of the fossil can be noted, along with any other detailed location information.

Preserved

“Here in Ireland, we have a wonderful fossil heritage that includes amazing ancient sea creatures and huge ancient forests, all preserved in our limestone, sandstone, and mudstone rocks,” campaign leader, Professor Maria McNamara, said.

“We have even more fossils visible in the buildings, walls and pavements of our towns and cities.”

“We want to capture the full range of fossils that are visible in both urban and natural environments to make a new fossil map that makes fossils really accessible to people, no matter whether they live.”

The deadline for submissions is 5pm on August 31.

More information on The Great Irish Fossil Hunt can be found at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/eri/news/the-great-irish-fossil-hunt.html.