Natural Selection Fossils

07/06/2026

Popcorn nodules vary a lot in what they contain. Most are unpreparable and some are devoid of fossils. However, 1 in 10 or so have beautiful calcite ammonites, like this 3-inch Caenicites that I've just finished preparing.

03/06/2026

Something a bit different. Just finished preparing a Cretaceous lobster called Hoploparia longimana. They have one long pincered claw and one wider shorter one. I guess one for desert and one for the main course in cutlery terms! This example measures 15 cm across but unfurled it would have been longer.

British Upper Greensand, Lower Cretaceous Dorset, UK

01/06/2026

Calcite Crucilobiceras ammonites are a rare find on Charmouth beach, but when you do, they're one of the more exciting fossil ammonites to prepare. This piece measures 5.5 cm across and has many tiny spikes running around the serpentine coils of the ammonite.

31/05/2026

Different ideas come to mind when you're preparing a fossil—particularly regarding its composition and final appearance. Hopefully this one doesn't look too much like the Guinness logo... though perhaps that image was indeed on my mind while preparing this specimen in the lovely hot weather we've been having.
The piece features quite a large Androgynoceras ammonite measuring 11 cm, with a smaller one positioned behind it. It comes with a custom-made stand due to its asymmetrical shape. Locality: Charmouth Beach, Stonebarrow.

31/05/2026

In a quiet kelp forest off the coast of South Africa, a burned-out filmmaker finds an unlikely mentor: a curious, intelligent octopus. What begins as simple observation evolves into a year-long friendship that will transform how you see these alien creatures—and perhaps yourself.

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28/05/2026

Prepared for a customer. A rare association of Pro Dactylioceras, Becheiceras, Oistoceras and Tragophyloceras ammonites preserved within the body chamber of a larger Ammonite. This one is from the Redband  nodules at Charmouth beach, Stonebarrow.

21/05/2026

Found by Riccardo Briganti and prepared by myself. Typically Metophioceras ammonites are grey in colour their shell being mineralised and bonded to the internal calcite. Occasionally however they have just the calcite replacement preservation, that has a beautiful Orange colour, that when contrasted against the grey makes for an appealing mantelpiece fossil. This one is from Monmouth beach Lyme Regis and measures 6&1/2 inches across.

14/05/2026

Becheiceras gallicum prepared for Riccardo Briganti
Some specimens lend themselves to a double-sided prep. Usually because one side is very close to the outer part of the nodule. This piece from the Green Ammonite Bed was one example where it was possible to prep the 'Cats Paw' The first chamber wall of the ammonite after the body chamber. This specimen is from Golden Cap near Lyme Regis and measures 10 cm across.