FOSSIL collectors are using rock saws and angle-grinders to illegally extract 190-million-year-old ammonites from the protected cliffs at Watchet’s Doniford beach, environmentalists claimed this week.
Geologist Dr Andy King, of Watchet-based ecological consultants Geckoella, said: “It is quite shocking in my experience to see this kind of damage done.
“It is fine to take anything loose from the beach.
“If you did not, it would probably just get destroyed by the tides.
“But this area is a site of special scientific interest and protected by law.
“Hammering into the bedrock is not permitted and you can see where saws and angle-grinders have been used to cut out ammonites from the cliffs and bedrock.”
Police were recently called to the beach after being alerted that two men were using an angle-grinder on rocks.
The men admitted they were French fossil-hunters but said they were unaware they were doing anything wrong, and were allowed to leave empty-handed.
This week, opinion was divided in Watchet about the influx of fossil-hunters claimed to have arrived since the area was recently signposted as ‘Fossil Beach’, with some online posts regretting that it had become so popular and others welcoming visitors and urging that they should be given more guidance on fossil-hunting rules.
Steve Friedrich, a member of the Geologists’ Association, and a fossil collector for 40 years, said the problem was ‘the hundreds of ill-informed collectors hammering away without a clue as to what they are doing’.
In the past, major finds have been made in the Doniford Bay area, including a rare 200-million-year-old fossil of a species of ichthyosaur, a marine dinosaur.
Dr King said: "Fossils have been collected from Helwell and Doniford beaches for over 200 years.
“The area is very well known as a 'fossil hot spot' through numerous publications and geological guides as well as being promoted on various websites and collecting forums.
"Fossil collecting is great fun for everyone as well as being educational.
“Encouraging people to only collect fossils that are loose on the beach and leave fossils in the bedrock alone for others to see as part of the natural heritage is an important conservation message.
"The involvement and support of the local community is also crucial here.
“We believe new information boards at Helwell Beach and Doniford Bay would really help, along with clearer guidance of how to act responsibly and what to do if anyone sees any suspicious fossil collecting activity.
“People should always check before collecting fossils because it is prohibited in some areas.
“What we have learned from these latest incidents is that we need much more promotion about how to collect fossils responsibly and sustainably.”
Dr King warned of the dangers of getting too close to eroding cliffs and getting caught by the Bristol Channel’s high tidal range.
He said: “Irresponsible hammering and chiselling can cause rock falls and the message is, ‘bring your camera, not a hammer’.
Helwell and Doniford beaches and cliffs are owned by the Crown and Wyndham Estates which can technically claim mineral rights on fossils but traditionally allow people to take away those that are lying on the beaches.
As the debate continued this week, one fossil enthusiast commented: “Of course you must behave responsibly, but I have to say that the sea does more wrecking in one tidal cycle than all the collectors put together do in 50 years!”
Geckoella organises fossil walks at Doniford Beach which can be booked through Watchet Visitors’ Centre.