GeologyRocks

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to GR.

Given it's from Kilve, I suspect that you have found a weathered ammonite. The ammonite is now gone, but the cementation in, and around, where the ammonite was has preserved some of the shape whilst the rock was weathered.

The rock is a limestone, Jurassic in age (Hettangian or Sinemurian, so around 200 million years old).

I totally agree with Jon Great palce Kilve for rock hunting, we were sent there several times when I was an undergrad for various structural projects! 

Hello Lisa, and welcome to GR.

If you read any Terry Pratchet books you would know immediately this is a baby troll.

 On a more serious note,  I'd agree with Jon as well. And in fact I know the area reasonably well, because my parents had 'The Anchor' in Watchet for many years. 

You will find ammonites along that stretch of coast, and if you go to East Quantock Head, as you go down the steps turn right and there is an over-hang.  I haven't been for some years, but there used to be quite a large ammonite up in the over-hang.....but the reason it remained there is that if someone tried to get it out they would have been buried under many tons of loose shale.

But the most famous ammonites along there, are nearer Watchet - they are Planorbis.  It is the first ammonite to appear in the British stratigraphical record. 

It is my intention to offer a field trip there either late autumn or spring.  I need to get a new tide table first, because the tide is critical.  There is a 12-18 ft rise, and due to the Watchet Fault (which the Council saw fit to build concrete steps across!) the water comes round behind.  So I need a weekend when low tide is aound 2 pm.  We follow the tide out.  Hopefully find the right beds, and move back as the water goes slack.  It is muddy.  It is dirty.  The rocks are bedded at about 20 degrees, covered in seaweed and mud and dip towards the shore.  The pools created can be deeper than the average wellies - all in all great fun.   Don't attempt it on your own.  It really is dangerous.  If you would like to come along just let me know.

John

“Civilisation exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.” -  Will Durant

Thanks everyone for your warm welcome and responses.

John - i am more of a Harry Potter fan myself  We live in a village called Nether Stowey, its only a few miles from Kilve and Watchet so we are very lucky to have such an interesting coast line so close to home. My children and i would be very interested in anything you were organising in our area!

Jon - My daughter squealed when i read out your response, all her friends and teachers now know all about her 200 million year old find.

Many thanks, Lisa

I know Nether Stowey slightly.  Its more a place to pass rather than visit unless you live in that part of the world.  I seem to recall that The Old Man had a good friend there, but I didn't really know him, and it was probably 20 years ago.

Keep your eye on this site for field trip details.  We are running one at the beginning of October.  Gold panning.  I do not promise you will find gold, but I can promise you will get wet and cold!  And probably have a laugh .......depending on your outlook.

John

“Civilisation exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.” -  Will Durant