Skip to content
FindAFossil.co.uk

Brachiopods

Two-shelled marine animals, abundant in limestone and chalk.

Cambrian to present; commonest in Palaeozoic and Mesozoic rocks. · Easy to find

What is it?

Brachiopods are marine animals with two unequal shells, superficially like a cockle but built on a different plan. They are abundant in Palaeozoic limestones and remain common in Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks, making them one of the most reliable finds on inland exposures.

What does it look like?

Rounded or wing-shaped shells 1–5 cm across, often ribbed, with the two valves differing in size. Many have a small opening or beak at the hinge.

How to identify it

  1. 01Symmetry is the key: a brachiopod is symmetrical across the shell, a bivalve between its two shells.
  2. 02Look for the small hole or beak at the hinge end.
  3. 03Weathered limestone surfaces often show them in section — no hammering required.

Where to find brachiopods in the UK

Map of the United Kingdom showing fossil hunting regionsBeer Beach — DevonBranscombe — DevonBlue Anchor — SomersetHunstanton — NorfolkStaithes — North YorkshireSaltburn-by-the-Sea — Redcar and ClevelandFiley Brigg — North YorkshireDunraven Bay, Southerndown — Vale of GlamorganLlantwit Major — Vale of GlamorganPenarth — Vale of GlamorganHowick Haven — Northumberland
  1. 01Beer BeachDevon · DevonSea urchins · Belemnites · Bivalves · BrachiopodsEasyFamily friendlyBeach, CliffExplore location →
  2. 02BranscombeDevon · DevonSea urchins · Bivalves · Brachiopods · BelemnitesEasyFamily friendlyBeach, CliffExplore location →
  3. 03Blue AnchorSomerset · SomersetBivalves · Shark teeth · BrachiopodsModerateBeach, Cliff, Geological siteExplore location →
  4. 04HunstantonNorfolk · NorfolkBelemnites · Brachiopods · Bivalves · Sea urchinsEasyFamily friendlyBeach, CliffExplore location →
  5. 05StaithesNorth Yorkshire · Yorkshire and the North East coastAmmonites · Belemnites · Bivalves · BrachiopodsModerateBeach, CliffExplore location →
  6. 06Saltburn-by-the-SeaRedcar and Cleveland · Yorkshire and the North East coastAmmonites · Belemnites · Bivalves · JetEasyFamily friendlyBeach, CliffExplore location →
  7. 07Filey BriggNorth Yorkshire · Yorkshire and the North East coastBrachiopods · Bivalves · Corals · Sea urchinsModerateFamily friendlyBeach, Geological siteExplore location →
  8. 08Dunraven Bay, SoutherndownVale of Glamorgan · WalesAmmonites · Bivalves · Brachiopods · BelemnitesEasyFamily friendlyBeach, Cliff, Geological siteExplore location →

Regions

Related guides