Isle Of Wight Fossil Guidebook Published To Mark Opening Of Dinosaur Isle

Saturday, 19 June 2021 06:00

By Iona Stewart-Richardson @IslandIona

A new guidebook to the Isle of Wight's fossils has been published to mark 20 years since the opening of the Dinosaur Isle Museum.

Not only is it marking the 20-year existence of the site in Sandown, but it is also to recognise 200 years since the foundation of the fossil collection.

Alongside their work providing support to other essential services during the pandemic, staff at the museum have worked with local fine and palaeo artist Trudie Wilson to produce the 230-page book.

The book is more than a guide to the museum displays, as it showcases many other fossils, spectacular and common, found on the Island.

The new book is called Dinosaur Isle in 101 Fossils and has been written by assistant community learning officer Alex Peaker and museum general manager and curator Dr Martin Munt. Trudie Wilson designed and brought the work together into an attractive and accessible format.

Rather than describing the individual fossils, the book uses them to tell the 125-million-year geological story of the Island, along with what the fossils tell us about ancient environments. Mixed in are anecdotes about the people who discovered them and places they were found.

Dr Munt said:

“This book has only been possible because of 200 years of fossil collectors, museum staff and volunteers supporting the museum and believing that our world class fossil heritage should stay here where it belongs on the Island. The book has been written for the general reader, and we provide a glossary of the technical terms to help with understanding.”

The book is £12.99, call the museum on 01983 404344 or email [email protected]

Postage and packing will be quoted at the point of order.

Wholesale price £6, plus postage and packing, minimum order £100