Members were delighted to welcome back Mr. Richard Edmonds to tell them about his involvement with the "Jurassic Coast Project" for Dorset County Council.

Part of Richard's task is to promote geological tourism in the area. Already educational groups alone account for some two hundred thousand "bed nights" in Dorset, but there are many times out of season when facilities are not fully utilised. While most people prefer warm summer days for their holidays, he pointed out that the best time for fossil hunting is after torrential rain and gale force seas have lashed the shore. Richard made it absolutely clear that beaches are the best place to search for fossils - digging into the cliffs is very dangerous and should only be attempted by the expert!

With the help of his slides, Richard took members on a visual tour of Dorset's coast, showing how the area offers examples of every type of Jurassic fossil, from small insects and sea creatures, through fossilised forests, to dinosaur footprints. Richard then told his audience that approval is being sought for recognition of the area as a World Heritage Site. It is hoped that the application, covering the coast line from Exmouth to Studland, will gain Government approval in March, 2000, before being presented to UNESCO in July - it will then be a further eighteen months until the final decision is made.

The Chairman, Peter Colbert, thanked Richard for his very interesting and informative presentation.

Sheila Pett - Press Officer.