Video

then howcome the mud isnt evolving into single cell organisms all the way to dinosaurs right now? evolution in order to be true must never cease, howcome the mud isnt evolving? everything on earth is made from earth material + water = MUD.

What a fascinating informative lecture.

Very Informative video!

You wouldn’t happen to take apprenticeships would you?

I’m currently graduated from geology (B.Eng.) focusing in micropaleontology and wanted to continue my career as a biostratigrapher in oil and gas industry. But i wonder which kind of career path should i choose?

👏👏🔥🔥

Dr. Etches, I’m British and grew up in America and Dorset. I live in Pennsylvania US nowadays. I’m a huge naturalist and collect fossils here and in Maryland. When I was a teen I collected a fossil at Kimmerage that despite my research, I cannot identify. I keep getting search hits for ammonite, but it doesn’t share the same snail-like shape as mine does. It looks like a caterpillar with no legs, a concave underside, which has horizontal (to the length of his body) ridges on it. No head, no legs, no eyes, color is grey. I’d like to have a word about it if you’re inclined. Thank you , Maria

17 and about to graduate tomorrow, hoping to be able to major in geology and become a paleontologist some day if all turns out well

Really enjoyed listening to this, Ive started fossil hunting around 6 months ago or so, ive always collected stones and crystals enjoy foraging etc, but have really been dedicating alot of time to fossils been going to charmouth v regularly, and the amount ive imporved and learned is unbelievable, thanks to other hunters and trail and error. All this would of been impossible thru reading about it, im not academically inclined really so would really struggle. Im now a confident hunter always learning and improving. From not knowing what pyrite is to at the weekend Finding ich tooth and humrus bone also lovely pyrite ammonite multi piece. Saw your tent at fossil festival will have to come to Kimmeridge soon. Happy hunting.

Two of the greats that make up part of the ‘Jurassic Rat Pack’. Shame the Jurassic Coastal team don’t take more advice from these guys ! The millions of pounds generated for the local economy by ‘fossils’ seems to be greatly undervalued and is about time its potential was properly unleashed. Well done guys ….. hopefully Richard gave you (Steve) a hand back to the car ….. poor old boy 😆 …. That is a joke by the way as Steve is as fit as any 21 year old and like a mountain goat over the rocks (for an OAP) ….. he is going to kill me now

I’ve always had an interest in fossils and ancient creatures such as dinosaurs and watching Steve Etches really inspires me to continue that interest as he is very knowledgeable and I also visited his museum and saw him!

What a lovely introduction

Whenever I'm visiting Charmouth, these are kind of fossils I'll give to a family down looking for the first time. The wonder it inspires on their child's face makes my day.

I could listen to Steve talk all day! His breadth of knowledge is amazing and he picks up on little details that I would possibly miss. Have to go back to my collection now and re-examine it ! Thanks 😊

The hugest one I've seen!!

Simply put… Steve knows. This is an honest excellent post! 15:03

I thoroughly agree with you Steve ! Been collecting myself for over 50 years and have struggled to get access to relevant papers despite the fact that I attended University and have taught Science for over 40 years. The arrogance of the so called academics can sometimes be annoying and frustrating. What gives them the right to act so superior? Yes, I would have loved to pursue Palaeontology as a career, but it wasnt financially viable for me or my family. It hasnt stopped me from collecting though !

Here, here...for most of us "amateurs" we love the whole thing, understanding the field, the thrill of the find and bringing it to "life" with the prep ❤

Well said Steve. This is a very interesting area. While there's some respect and cooperation, it would be good to see more of the same kind of mutual respect emerging as there is between careful metal detectorosts and archaeologists. I think you said it, (but it might have got lost in the editing), that while some academics have exactly attitude you describe, others are completely 100% on board with what your saying.

I remember a young Cambridge Professor lecturing on Avian genetics, at my local Avicultural Society, where many members were amateurs who had been breeding birds for 60 or 70 years. It was like a lamb to the slaughter. Her naivety made me cringe at times. Steve is not just an expert in his own right, but an inspiration to many too.

100% agree here Steve. I'm currently doing my master's thesis in Palaeontology, and am glad to say that those I know acknowledge the important work of collectors. Palaeontology would not be where it is without the wealth of information from fossil collectors, and I reckon this sentiment is shared with most my age!