Remarkably well-preserved fossils, believed to be 183-million-years-old, have been found in a farmer's field near Stroud.
The prehistoric site, at Court Farm in King's Stanley, was discovered by Sally and Neville Hollingworth. The avid fossil collectors also recently uncovered the remains of mammoths at the Cotswold Water Park.
READ MORE: Couple discover Jurassic fossils in the Cotswolds
The remains of fish, ancient marine reptiles, squids, rare insects and more have been revealed for the first time. Among the best finds were several fossil fish with excellent details of their scales, fins and even their eyeballs.
One of the most impressive discoveries was a three-dimensionally preserved fish head, belonging to a type of Jurassic fish called Pachycormus.
Sally and Neville explained: “These fossils come from the Early Jurassic, specifically a time called the Toarcian. Excavations have revealed a rich source of fossil material, particularly from a rare layer of rock that has not been exposed since the late 19th Century.”
Dr Dean Lomax, a palaeontologist and visiting scientist at The University of Manchester, was part of the team and said: “The site is quite remarkable, with numerous beautifully preserved fossils of ancient animals that once lived in a Jurassic sea that covered this part of the UK.
"Inland locations with fossils like this are rare in the UK. The fossils will surely form the basis of research projects for years to come.
“Using the latest fossil preparation and imaging techniques to understand this unique fauna in more detail will create a rich repository.
"Given the location and enthusiasm from the landowner and local community to be involved it is hoped to plan and develop a local STEM enrichment programme as there will be opportunities for community groups and local schools to be involved in the research.”
Many of the specimens collected will be donated to the Museum in the Park, while others will be displayed at the Boho Bakery Café at Court Farm.
The landowner, Adam Knight, said: “I’m delighted that after the initial work that Sally and Nev did over three years ago we now have a full-scale dig on the farm involving a range of fossil experts.
"It has been a real pleasure to host the dig and I’m excited to see the results of what has been found.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here