UCC launches ‘Great Irish Fossil Hunt’ to map Ireland’s fossil heritage
Jess Franklin of School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science and Professor Maria McNamara MRIA, Professor of Palaeontology explore coastal rocks as part of 'The Great Irish Fossil Hunt'. Picture: Clare Keogh
Scientists from University College Cork (UCC) have launched a new citizen science initiative aimed at encouraging people to find and log any fossils they discover in natural and urban outdoor settings across the country.
campaign, which kicked off at UCC on Wednesday, asks members of the public who find any fossils to take a picture and send it to the UCC research team.
The images submitted will then be catalogued and used to build a comprehensive fossil map of Ireland. The completed map will be launched at a major Fossil Expo taking place at UCC during Science Week later this year.
Dr Jess Franklin, senior public engagement officer with the campaign team says it is relatively easy to find fossils all around the country.
"There are lots of fossils exposed in rocks along the coast, but you don’t have to go that far – fossils are also really common in our footpaths and building stones – you can literally pass fossils on your way to your local corner shop," she said.
"Now, we’re asking people to take a quick snap of these fossils with your mobile phone and send it to us.”
Anyone who discovers a fossil has been asked to submit their photo via the form on the campaign website. The form includes a section where the Google Maps location of the fossil can be noted, along with any other detailed location information. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on August 31.
“Here in Ireland we have a wonderful fossil heritage that includes amazing ancient sea creatures and huge ancient forests, all preserved in our limestone, sandstone and mudstone rocks. We have even more fossils visible in the buildings, walls and pavements of our towns and cities," said campaign leader, Professor Maria McNamara.
"For the first time, we want to capture the full range of fossils that are visible in both urban and natural environments all around the country, to make a new fossil map that makes fossils really accessible to people, no matter whether they live in a built-up area or a very rural area.”
More information on "The Great Irish Fossil Hunt" can be found at: www.ucc.ie/en/fossil-heritage/.
