Do not use power tools to take fossils, Somerset town asks
Dr King said: "It's a fantastic geological resource, a brilliant geological heritage - you can't fail to go down there and see fossils."You can pick fossils up when they're loose, but it's about how people behave responsibly on the beach."The Fossil Collecting Code, written by a collaboration of organisations and groups affected by or involved in fossil hunting, says trying to break the rocks with hammers or power tools could damage the sensitive coastlines, and should be left to professionals.
Picking up fossils in general is encouraged by Dr King, who said they would only be washed away into the tide.He added: "There is a level of protection and this really is about enhancing that protection and that conservation."Watchet's mayor, councillor Loretta Whetlor, said: "We were very pleased to partner with Watchet Conservation Society and our local experts Geckoella in supporting this initiative."We love to welcome all visitors to the area, especially to enjoy our wonderful coastline with its Jurassic geology and fossils."New signs have been erected at Helwell Bay and Doniford Beach, our most popular fossil collecting spots, to encourage visitors to follow the responsible code."
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