A jogger, Sophie Giles, made a remarkable discovery on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset—a 140-million-year-old dinosaur footprint belonging to an iguanodon.
The fossilized imprint was found at a red squirrel nature reserve and has ignited excitement among researchers and the public alike.
Jogger’s Serendipitous Find:
National Trust ranger Sophie Giles stumbled upon the dinosaur footprint while running on Brownsea Island.
The footprint, belonging to a 36-feet-tall, 285-stone herbivore from the late Jurassic period, had been exposed in a slab of Purbeck stone quarried from the nearby Isle of Purbeck and transported to Brownsea approximately 50 years ago.
Unnoticed Historical Artifact:
Remarkably, the dinosaur footprint had gone unnoticed until Giles discovered it. Used as a paving slab imported from Purbeck, the print became visible after rainwater pooled into it.
Giles expressed surprise, stating that she had passed by the spot countless times without noticing the historical significance of the fossil.
Purbeck Stone and its Journey:
The slab containing the iguanodon footprint is made of Purbeck stone, likely used as building material brought to Brownsea Island from Purbeck. The individual who installed it many years ago did not recognize its significance at the time. Now, the discovery has shed light on the island’s hidden prehistoric past.
Expert Analysis:
Dr. Martin Munt, curator at the Dinosaur Isle Museum at Sandown, Isle of Wight, expressed initial disbelief at the news. While unable to confirm the exact species, he noted that iguanodontian fossils found in similar rocks suggest the likelihood of the imprint being from this dinosaur.
The iguanodon, known for its presence in southern England, is a significant part of the region’s geological history.
Future Public Display:
The public will have the opportunity to view the ancient dinosaur footprint when Brownsea Island reopens to visitors next March. This unexpected find adds a new dimension to the popular nature reserve, already known for its colony of endangered red squirrels.
This article highlights the accidental discovery of a dinosaur footprint, the historical context, expert analysis, and the anticipation of public display at Brownsea Island.
Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media
Related posts:
‘Queen Elizabeth had no regrets. She was at peace in the days before she died and her thoughts dwelled upon her faith, on her father and upon the sheer beauty of Balmoral’ The Queen’s Tranquil End Despite the family discord that characterized her later years, Her Late Majesty Elizabeth II found solace and serenity as she approached...
Nigerian Talent Manager Offers N5 Million Reward to Locate Twitter User Wishing Death upon Davido …By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. Nigerian talent manager, Paulo, who is known for his relationship with Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, has taken a bold...
Broker Director banned for taking money but owing creditors £140,000 The post Broker Director banned for taking money but owing creditors £140,000 appeared first on TDPel News – News, Interviews, Events. Kathleen Shepherd, 58, from...
140 universities to embark on strike cross the UK The University and College Union (UCU) has declared that staff members from 140 universities will participate in a five-day strike scheduled for later this month....
President Biden Stumbles After Speech to Air Force Academy Graduates, Raises Concerns …By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media. During a speech to the graduates of the US Air Force Academy, President Joe Biden stumbled and fell over,...
70,000 fled Nevada flooded festival as hundreds of “dinosaur shrimp” crawl out from mud. The heavy rains that unexpectedly soaked the 70,000 attendees of the Burning Man festival also triggered the emergence of hundreds of three-eyed “dinosaur shrimp” from...
Live Blunder on The One Show: Alex Jones Stumbles Over Words During Emotional Segment The popular television host, Alex Jones, found herself in a bit of an awkward situation when she stumbled over her words during a live broadcast...
Birkenstock’s Stock Market Debut Stumbles, Trading 11% Below Expectations Stock Market Debut Falls Short Birkenstock’s highly anticipated stock market debut got off to a rocky start as its shares began trading significantly below expectations....
Sara Sharif’s father, step mother and uncle apprehended upon landing in UK, the arrest is on suspicion of murder. Arrests in Connection with Sara Sharif’s Death Surrey Police have made significant arrests in connection with the tragic death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif. The father...
6 Unique Tools Relied Upon by Surgeons Worldwide Over the past few years, medical surgery has seen a lot of exciting breakthroughs. Surgeons now have access to a broad variety of specialized instruments,...