Beachcombing just got a lot more exciting for fossil enthusiasts in Somerset. While many people stroll along the English coast unaware, they could be walking right past fossilized treasures waiting to be uncovered. Recent online buzz highlights two Somerset beaches — Kilve Beach and Doniford Bay — as prime spots for finding fascinating fossils, particularly shark teeth.
Thanks to The Visual Hikers Guide on TikTok, many Brits are learning that the south coast of England offers more than just beautiful scenery. Shark teeth, sea glass, and various fossils regularly wash up, especially after storms or wild waves stir up the seabed. The creator’s tip? Use an extendable fork to help locate these elusive finds before the tide chases you off the beach.
What makes these shark teeth so intriguing is their color: Unlike the white teeth of living sharks, fossilized shark teeth are typically black, gray, or tan. This change happens as minerals like iron and manganese seep into the teeth over thousands or even millions of years, transforming them into ancient relics from the past.
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While Sussex’s beaches have long been celebrated for fossil hunting, Somerset’s coastline is emerging as a hidden gem. Both Kilve Beach and Doniford Bay lie within the geological wonderland of Exmoor, rich in history and fossilized remains. Nearby, the Rhaetian bone bed near Lilstock is famed for yielding Triassic shark teeth, attracting collectors far and wide.
The online revelation has sparked excitement among viewers eager to embark on their own fossil-hunting adventures. Comments pour in from all over the UK, with many sharing their own stories or newfound enthusiasm to explore their local shores for ancient treasures.
For those fascinated by natural history and the chance to uncover the past’s secrets, Somerset’s beaches offer the perfect blend of adventure and discovery.