About LBPS
The London Basin Palaeontological Society brings together fossil collectors, enthusiasts and researchers with a shared interest in palaeontology and fossil collecting. Our principal focus is the London Basin, but over time we aim to develop resources covering a wider range of geological ages, fossil groups and British localities.
Our roots are firmly within the London Basin, but our aim is to encourage the responsible study, recording and identification of fossils more broadly while helping people of all experience levels learn more about Britain’s remarkable geological and palaeontological heritage.
What we do
- Organise fossil collecting field trips and society activities
- Help members and the public identify fossil finds
- Record fossils and localities from across the London Basin
- Build and maintain the LBPS fossil identification database
- Share knowledge about fossil collecting, preparation, geology and palaeontology
- Encourage responsible and safe fossil collecting
- Support collaboration between collectors, enthusiasts and researchers
- Promote the preservation and recording of important fossil discoveries
- Produce educational articles, guides and reference material
Our aims
LBPS aims to improve the recording, understanding and appreciation of fossils and geology by bringing together people with different levels of experience and knowledge.
The London Basin remains a major focus of the Society and forms the foundation of our growing identification database, but we also aim to develop resources covering fossil sites and geological deposits elsewhere in Britain.
We want to build a useful and accessible reference for collectors, researchers and the wider public while encouraging good practice in collecting, documentation, fossil preparation and the sharing of scientific information.
Our primary focus is the palaeontology and geology of the London Basin. This will remain at the heart of the Society and form the foundation of the LBPS database. As the Society and its resources develop, we also intend to expand into fossils from other geological ages and areas of Britain, building a broader reference resource while retaining our London Basin specialism.
Our approach
We believe that responsible fossil collecting can make an important contribution to palaeontology when specimens are carefully collected, accurately recorded and their scientific information is preserved.
LBPS aims to combine the experience of collectors with published research and specialist knowledge to improve fossil identification and recording.
Where an identification is uncertain, we believe it is better to record that uncertainty clearly than to present an identification as fact. Fossil records should be supported wherever possible by reliable locality, geological and photographic information.
The London Basin
The London Basin contains a remarkable geological record, with fossil bearing deposits occurring across London, Essex, Kent and surrounding areas. These deposits preserve evidence of environments and ecosystems that existed millions of years ago.
Fossils from the region include sharks and rays, bony fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, plants and many other groups.
The London Basin forms the core of the LBPS database and remains an important focus for the Society. Through our locality, geological unit, species and specimen records, we aim to bring information about these fossils together into one accessible and continually developing resource.
Responsible collecting and recording
LBPS encourages responsible fossil collecting that respects landowners, access restrictions, wildlife, other visitors and the geological environment.
Collectors should always ensure that they have permission to collect where required and follow any restrictions applying to a site.
Whenever possible, collectors should record where a fossil was found and retain useful information about its geological context. Even a relatively common fossil can become considerably more valuable scientifically when reliable locality and stratigraphic information accompanies it.
Important or unusual discoveries should be properly documented and, where appropriate, brought to the attention of relevant specialists, researchers or institutions.
A society for everyone
You do not need to be a professional palaeontologist or an experienced fossil collector to become involved with LBPS.
We welcome beginners, experienced collectors, researchers, students and anyone with a genuine interest in fossils, geology or palaeontology.
Sharing knowledge between people with different backgrounds and levels of experience is an important part of what we want the Society to achieve.
Contributing to LBPS
The Society and its database will grow through the contributions of its members and the wider fossil collecting community.
Members can contribute in many ways, including sharing fossil records and photographs, helping with identification, contributing knowledge about localities and geology, writing articles, taking part in field activities and helping to improve the Society’s reference resources.
Contributions do not need to be exceptional specimens. Well recorded examples of common fossils can be just as useful when building a reliable identification resource.
Get involved
Whether you have been collecting fossils for many years or are just beginning to explore the subject, we would be pleased to hear from you.
You can join LBPS, take part in Society activities, submit a fossil for identification, contribute information or photographs to our growing database, or simply use the resources on this website to learn more about palaeontology.