1 April, 2015

British Antarctic Survey exhibits at Lyme Regis Fossil Festival

Staff from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are displaying some amazing Antarctic fossil and biological collections at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival in Dorset from 1–3 May.  Ranging from giant sea spiders and isopods to ammonites, molluscs and fossil trees, the diversity of life on and around Antarctica can be seen firsthand. Also on display will be maps of the continent including a 3D version of Bedmap2 – the land beneath the enormous Antarctic ice sheet.

Come along and measure yourself against a penguin. Are you as tall as a Eudyptula minor, an Anthropornis nordenskjoeldi or somewhere in between? Visit the BAS exhibition in the Grand Marquee and find out.

Fossil collections manager at British Antarctic Survey, Hilary Blagbrough says, “We are excited that this is our 7th year at the Lyme Regis Fossil Fair. Over three days we expect to see over 6000 school children and members of the public and look forward to showing them how Antarctica was once a tropical rainforest and covered with dinosaurs. How do we know? From the fossils of course!”

Emperor penguin chick (Aptenodytes forsteri) eyeing up an Antarctic Skua (Catharacta antarctica) near the windy bay penguin colony

The event is aimed at all ages and offers something for everyone.

Check out the full programme