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What Tools & Equipment do you need for Bowleaze Cove? |
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"Whilst any good ironmonger can supply cold chisels and strong knives or trowels, he is very unlikely to have safe and suitable hammers in stock. The steel of ordinary domestic and many trade hammers is far too soft for use on most rocks. It will splinter and flying fragments of steel can cause nasty wounds, particularly to the eyes, not only of the hammerer but also of his companions."
Fossils in Colour - 1967 - J.F. Kirkaldy, D.Sc. Formally Head of the Department of Geology, Queen Mary College London. |
TOOLS: A knife and pick should be taken as Bowleaze Cove is both soft Oxford and Kimmeridge Clay. When the foreshore is exposed, suitable footwear should be worn. A small trowel is also useful though most fossils can be simply lifted from the clay. Ammonites can be found in the Corallian beds which can be extremely hard, so hammers and chisels (Ideally a lump hammer), should be taken if walking from Weymouth or east past Redcliff point to the small Corallian outcrop.
CONTAINERS: Fossils from the Oxford and Kimmerge clay are fragile, especially the ammonites, separate containers filled with fine sand are ideal .Fossils from the Corallian can be wrapped and placed into bags.
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Crack Hammers: You will need A good quality crack hammer and Chrome chisels at Bowleaze Cove, Heavy 4lb or larger lump hammers are highly recommended to break apart the hard beds. |
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Chisel Picks: For the more 'weathered rocks' These chisel picks work well in loosing weathered layers. Geological hammers are also suitable. |
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Chisels: Because the rock are very hard, most normal chisels will blunt quickly. It is therefore highly recommended that Special Chrome Vanadium Steel Chisels are used. These are made from the highest quality steel and are coated for extra protection. They are also much sharper than normal chisels and will last much longer. As for the type of chisel, Wide chisels and splitting chisels are not really ideal because the lack of layers in the rocks, standard 1" or less are best, it is also ideal to take a small chisel around 1/2" for any delicate work. |
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Knives: A handy tool to pick fossils out of the clay with. |
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Specimen Boxes: Keep your small finds safe in these clear, cost effective specimen boxes. Perfect to build your fossil collection. |
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Geo Field Ruler: This Geo Ruler is ideal for field use and for photographing specimens. The Rular is colour graduated in CM with 10cm Blocks, made of hard thick plastic and is waterproof. |
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Waterproof Notepads and Waterproof Pens: These field notepads and field pens work in the rain, they are perfect for taking notes. The pens work in any condition, including underwater! Taking notes about where fossils were found is an essential part of any collection. |
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Safety Wear: Goggles or Safety Glasses are absolutely essential at this location when using hammers and chisels, rock splinters can pierce the skin. |
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Specimen Bags: These are ideal for Bowleaze Cove. Sealable Clear Specimen Bags can hold your finds. These can be purchased from UKGE for low prices and can easily be re-used. |
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Geological Bags: Strong, Waterproof and durable geological bags that last years are ideal for any keen fossil hunter. These quality bags from Estwing are ideal for bringing back those heavy finds back home. |
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Footwear: Hiking Boots are recommended fine for Bowleaze Cove because the shore is very rocky. |
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Starter Packs from £42.50
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