About LBPS

LBPS combines society activities with the development of an accessible palaeontological reference resource.

We:

• Organise fossil collecting field trips and society activities
• Help members and the public identify fossil finds
• Record fossils, specimens and Fossil Sites
• Build and maintain the LBPS Fossil Database
• Share information 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

LBPS aims to improve the recording, understanding and appreciation of fossils and geology by bringing together people with different levels of experience and specialist knowledge.

We want to build a reliable 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.

We believe responsible fossil collecting can make an important contribution to palaeontology when specimens are carefully collected, accurately recorded and their scientific information is preserved.

Our records aim to combine collector experience with published research, specimen evidence and specialist knowledge.

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 Fossil Site, geological, specimen and photographic information.

The London Basin is at the heart of LBPS.

It 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 recorded 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 Fossil Database. Through our Fossil Site, Geological Unit, Species and Specimen records, we aim to bring information about the region’s fossils together into one accessible and continually developing resource.

Although the London Basin will remain our principal specialism, the database is designed so that resources covering other British fossil sites, geological ages and fossil groups can be added over time.

That last paragraph is important because it makes the future scope clear without repeating it several times elsewhere.

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 Fossil Site.

Whenever possible, the location and geological context of a fossil should be recorded. Even a relatively common specimen can become considerably more useful scientifically when reliable provenance and stratigraphic information accompanies it.

Important or unusual discoveries should be properly documented and, where appropriate, brought to the attention of relevant specialists, researchers, museums or other institutions.

Good recording is an important part of responsible collecting. LBPS therefore encourages collectors to preserve information about where specimens were found, the Geological Unit from which they originated and any other useful collecting context.

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 the Society.

Beginners can learn from experienced collectors and researchers, while carefully recorded observations and specimens from amateur collectors can provide valuable information for the wider palaeontological community.

The Society and Fossil Database grow through contributions from members, collectors, researchers and the wider palaeontological community.

Contributions can include:

• Fossil records
• Specimen photographs
• Identification information
• Fossil Site information
• Geological and stratigraphic knowledge
• Reference specimens
• Articles and educational material
• Specialist review and identification
• Participation in field activities

Contributions do not need to involve exceptional specimens. Well-recorded examples of common fossils can be extremely useful when building a reliable identification and research resource.

By bringing together specimen evidence, collecting records, published research and specialist knowledge, LBPS aims to make useful palaeontological information easier to access and preserve.

The LBPS Fossil Database is being developed as a structured reference resource for fossil identification and palaeontological research.

It brings together information about:

• Species
• Fossil Sites
• Geological Units and Geological Ages
• Reference specimens
• Collections and repositories
• Species occurrences
• Identification guidance
• Local preservation and identification information

Species records are designed to help visitors understand what a fossil is, how it may be recognised, where it has been recorded and what specimen evidence supports that information.

The database is continually developing. Records may be expanded or revised as new specimens, published research and specialist information become available.

Where evidence is incomplete or an occurrence requires further confirmation, this should be shown clearly rather than presenting uncertain information as established fact.