/ Isle of Wight Trip Activities / Hunt for 40-Million-Year History
South Coast Fossils offers an exhilarating outdoor learning adventure for students during their residential stay on the south coast. The cliffs at Highcliffe are world-renowned for the Barton Beds, a geological treasure trove that dates back to the Eocene epoch. Unlike many other sites, the soft clay here frequently yields incredibly well-preserved specimens, including gastropods, shark teeth, and even turtle remains, making it a highly rewarding location for youngsters to experience the thrill of genuine scientific discovery.
Our expert-led sessions are designed to be hands-on and engaging, ensuring that pupils develop practical skills in Fossils, Rocks & Soils. Youngsters learn how to identify different sedimentary layers and understand the specific environmental conditions that existed millions of years ago when this part of Britain was a tropical sea. This direct engagement with primary evidence helps students to grasp the immense scale of Prehistoric time while fostering a deep curiosity about the natural world and the evolution of ancient species.
A visit to Highcliffe also provides a unique vantage point for discussing Coastal Erosion and the power of the sea. As students search the shoreline, they can witness firsthand how the weather and waves constantly reshape the landscape, revealing new fossils with every tide. This blend of physical activity, scientific inquiry, and environmental awareness ensures that every student returns home with not just a fossil in their pocket, but a newfound passion for the geological heritage of the British coastline.
Here's some of the most frequently-asked questions about school visits to South Coast Fossils - Highcliffe, posed by teachers and other group leaders
The activity is strictly tide-dependent; sessions must be booked to coincide with low tide. Students are forbidden from digging directly into the cliff face for safety reasons and must only search among the loose material on the beach foreshore.
The Barton Clay can be sticky and slippery in places, and whilst the guide can advise areas to avoid, they are not there to supervise behaviour. All students should wear sturdy, waterproof footwear or wellingtons with good grip.
There is a small café at the top of the cliff, seasonal opening hours.
As an open-air beach activity, fire risk is minimal. In the event of an emergency on the cliffs or beach, the primary assembly point is the main clifftop car park. Groups should move away from the cliff face and follow the guide's instructions.
There are no hand-washing facilities on the shoreline. Teachers should ensure all pupils use hand sanitiser immediately after handling fossils or clay and before consuming any food or snacks, as the clay and seawater can contain bacteria.
There is a public toilet block at the top of the cliffs. Encourage students to "go" before heading down to the beach.
There are no dedicated first aid stations on the beach. Guides carry basic kits, but school groups are strictly required to have their own qualified first aider and a comprehensive medical kit to manage any incidents during the session.
Nearby café
