I’m no stranger to going fossil hunting on the coast, I know many of you have read my posts about the Essex and Kent coats. However, what about in the middle of London? I was fortunate enough to be invited by some of my colleagues recently to a fossil hunting day, and so visited a renowned fossil site in Abbey Wood, in southeast London to find out if it deserves the reputation it has. The site has attracted both amateur collectors and professional palaeontologists for decades (us included). The site is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is managed carefully to preserve its unique geological heritage. Therefore, any would-be fossil hunters have to follow a strict set of rules to maintain this heritage (I’ll come back to them later). For those interested, the deposits are from the Eocene, which date back around 50 million years. These layers of sediment were once part of a subtropical coastal environment, meaning that a rich diversity of marine and terrestrial life was preserved within the sediments.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Abbey Wood is the sheer variety of fossils that can be found. The site is particularly famous for its fossilised shark teeth, which are often beautifully preserved and come from a range of species, including sand sharks (such as Striatolamia macrota, Sylvestrilamia teretidens, Gluekmanotodus heinzelini and Jaekelotodus robustus), which by far are the most numerous and rays (Hypolophodon sylvestris and Squatina prima). In addition, collectors can regularly find bivalves, gastropods, and other invertebrate remains, all offering a window into life during the Eocene. Unfortunately, the majority of these fossil shells have been broken up but partial and whole specimens can be found. Occasionally, vertebrate fossils such as fish bones and reptile remains also appear, adding further excitement to a day’s hunt. The diversity makes Abbey Wood an excellent introduction to fossil hunting for beginners, while still holding plenty of interest for seasoned collectors. On my visit you had a range of visitors, such as families with young children, ourselves, and older members of the community. It was great to see such a diversity of people coming together to try to find fossils, and hopefully learning more about them afterwards.

The process of fossil hunting at Abbey Wood typically involves sifting through sand and spoil heaps, rather than digging into the protected geological strata. It is this sand that is your friend, and contains all of the fossils. I would recommend some sturdy garden tools including a trowel to shovel the sand into a circular sieve with different sized meshes. A set like this one is perfect and is probably what I should have equipped myself with from the start (at least now I know). Not all of the teeth or other finds are huge, so you will need to check your spoil heap carefully, and for this I would recommend your average kitchen sieve. You will also need some small bags or takeaway containers to keep your finds safe. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have a cupboard in your kitchen that will overflow with these when you open the door. Some collectors may also with bring a kneeling pad for comfort when working on the spoil heaps – it is something I am considering for my next trip. Gloves can be useful to protect your hands from sharp stones or glass in the soil (these are rare but safety first!). That’s the essential kit, which makes this site extremely accessible to all.

Due to the nature of the site and its designation, hammers and chisels are not allowed, since they could damage both fossils and the protected strata found elsewhere on the site. Visitors are also encouraged to report unusual or scientifically significant finds (if they are lucky enough), since such discoveries contribute to ongoing research into the Eocene environment of Britain. These regulations help balance public engagement with the responsibility of preserving Abbey Wood’s geological legacy for future generations. Other things to note are that digging for fossils outside the small, fenced area is prohibited. You’re only allowed to excavate to a depth of 45 cm, so it might be useful to carry a measuring tape with you if you’re not sure how deep this is. All holes must be completely filled in before leaving the site. Commercial collecting or over-collecting is prohibited, make sure you’re only taking what you need for your own collection. Finally, groups of six or more should book a least one month in advance.

If you want to get more involved, there are additional opportunities to do so. Volunteers and local geology groups often help to maintain the site by organising designated fossil hunting sessions, particularly during the spring and summer months. During these supervised events, families, schools, and enthusiasts of all ages can take part safely, learning both about geology and the importance of conservation. For those visiting Abbey Wood, the experience goes beyond fossil hunting alone. The site is nestled within a wooded nature reserve, making it a peaceful and scenic location to spend a day outdoors. Many visitors combine fossil hunting with birdwatching, picnicking, or exploring the surrounding woodland trails. This combination of natural beauty, educational value, and hands-on discovery makes Abbey Wood a rare gem.

Overall, Abbey Wood remains one of the most accessible and rewarding fossil sites in Britain. Its unique geological history, combined with careful management and public access, ensures that people can continue to learn about and enjoy fossils in a responsible way. Abbey Wood offers a tangible link to a distant past. Fossil hunting here is not just about collecting, it’s about connecting with the natural history of our planet, and experiencing first-hand the excitement of discovery. I hope many reading this will jump on the Elizabeth Line and take their kids there, in order to help foster that connection and deeper fascination with the natural world. You can guarantee that I’ll be back again soon to see if I can find some of the rarer fossils! Maybe I’ll even see you there.

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