Fossil collecting rules in the UK

In England and Wales, fossils belong to the landowner. On most public beaches, collecting a reasonable quantity of loose material for personal interest is accepted, but that is a convention rather than a right, and it does not apply everywhere.

Where a site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest — which includes a great many fossil coasts — damaging the protected features is an offence. In practice that means no hammering of bedrock, cliffs or in-situ specimens.

Several important areas have agreed codes. The West Dorset Fossil Collecting Code, covering Lyme Regis and Charmouth, sets out what may be collected and requires significant finds to be recorded. The Yorkshire coast, the Isle of Wight and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast all publish guidance of their own.

Scotland has the Scottish Fossil Code, issued by NatureScot, which applies across the country and is more restrictive than the position in England.

• Quarries are private, often working, and always require permission — never enter one uninvited
• Some beaches lie on private estate land where collecting is restricted
• National Trust and National Park land may carry additional conditions
• Nature reserves and geological reserves usually prohibit collecting entirely

Articulated bone, a large or unusual specimen, or anything that appears to be a vertebrate should be reported. Contact the local museum, heritage centre or the landowner before attempting to remove it — an amateur excavation can destroy the scientific value of a find within minutes.

Many of Britain's most important fossils were found by members of the public who reported them. It is a genuine contribution, and it is usually acknowledged.

Access arrangements, designations and codes are revised from time to time. Where this site notes a rule, treat it as a prompt to check locally before you travel rather than as a final authority.