A 197-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil found by a dog walker in Stolford has been delivered to the Somerset Heritage Centre ahead of conservation work.

The prehistoric fossil was at risk of being washed away by the strong seasonal tides but was ‘rescued’ by experts working against the clock in the intertidal zone of Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve.

It was discovered by amateur fossil hunter Jon Gopsill when he was out walking his dogs on December 14. The rescue mission took place on December 27, the first opportunity allowed by the tides.

The 5ft 6ins long marine reptile, dubbed ‘Poppy’ after one of Jon’s dogs who helped make the discovery, had been exposed by storms. 

“I started fossil hunting on Watchet beach when I was just six years old,” said Jon. “The scale of this find, at 197-million-years-old, is incredible. When I saw it I thought, ‘I’ve been looking for this my whole life!’ 

“You see ichthyosaurs in museums and think they’re amazing, but to actually find a ‘wild’ one in its natural environment is totally mind blowing! I’m delighted that this specimen will be staying in the county for other people to enjoy.”

A team of geological specialists from Geckoella had a four-hour window within which they could extract the specimen from the Blue Lias rock. They used rock saws, hammers, chisels and crow bars to cut out a single block of stone containing the fossil.

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