Fossil hunting on the Isle of Wight: author Megan Jacobs shares her favourite Island spots

Island-born Megan is a palaeontologist and guide with Wight Coast Fossils, where she shares her passion for the Isle of Wight’s remarkable coastline and prehistoric heritage. Having previously undertaken fieldwork as far afield as Morocco, Texas and Germany, Megan now leads walks and talks helping people discover and identify fossils found along local beaches.

She has recently published her first book, A Field Guide to the Fossils and Geology of the Isle of Wight, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the Island’s ancient past, making it accessible to a wider audience.

What is it about the Island that makes it such a great place to live and work?

I was born here and spent my childhood enjoying the freedom and safety the Island offers. I couldn’t wish for a better place to call home! There’s a slower pace of life here and a real sense of community. 

For me, the Isle of Wight’s unique geology, as well as being a tourist destination, is perfect for a palaeontological-based career. We take people all around the Island looking for fossils and at the same time, being able to show off the stunning coastlines we have. 

Where is your favourite place on the Island? 

My favourite place is the Compton-Dunsbury area. There’s just so much history to the area, from the dinosaur footprints on the beach to the five barrows on the downs and evidence of Bronze Age and Roman occupation. I like to think back and wonder what the area would have looked like at each point in time. What were the dinosaurs seeing as they walked across the landscape? What did the people building the barrows see to make it such a special place to them?  

Where is your favourite beach on the Island?

Although I find myself at Compton most of the time, I would have to say Chale Bay is my favourite beach. You usually have the beach to yourself and the view along to St. Catherines always makes me stop and think how lucky I am to call this Island home. 

Where is your favourite place on the Island to go for a walk?

Walking from Bembridge windmill along the nature reserve to Brading, I really love it. There are so many different birds to see, including the sea eagles and as spring turns into summer, the wildflowers are incredible.

What is your favourite Island event? 

The Walking Festival is an excellent event that encourages people to get out and explore our Island. I like that there are opportunities for all ages, abilities and interests to get out and join like-minded people to enjoy the Isle of Wight’s coasts and countryside. 

If readers only had an hour on the Island, what would you recommend they do or where would you recommend they visit?

Drive down the Military Road from Chale, stopping off at Compton carpark for a coffee or ice cream, then continuing all the way to the Needles and take in the scenery. This is my favourite thing to do, keeping an eye out for Red Kites, Hen Harriers and Sea Eagles and watching the coastline and landscape change through the drive. 

Why did you write your book?

My book has been created to help people discover and understand the incredible geological history that makes the Isle of Wight internationally significant. Whether you’re picking up your first fossil, studying geology, or simply exploring the coast with family, I wanted to create a guide that would help people get more from those experiences.

Inspired by Megan’s story? Want to hunt for fossils yourself but don’t know where to start?

The Isle of Wight is one of the UK’s best places to step into prehistoric history. Fossils are discovered along the Island’s coastline every day by walkers, beachcombers and curious holidaymakers, with many finds simply waiting in the shingle or along the tide line.

For families, it’s a brilliant way to make a coastal walk even more exciting. Children can search for shapes, patterns and textures in the stones, while grown-ups can enjoy discovering more about the dramatic cliffs, beaches and landscapes that tell the story of the Island’s ancient past.

A good place to start is with a guided fossil walk. Local experts can show you where to look, what to look for and how to search safely, as well as helping you understand whether that unusual stone is just a stone or something much older. It’s also worth visiting Dinosaur Isle in Sandown, where families can get a closer look at some of the Island’s prehistoric finds before heading out to explore the coast for themselves.

If you’re planning your own fossil-hunting adventure, keep it simple. Check the tide times before you go, stay away from cliffs, look only for loose fossils on the beach and avoid digging into rock faces or unstable ground. You don’t need lots of equipment either. A sturdy pair of shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a small bag for safe finds, a phone for photos and a little patience are more than enough for a family fossil hunt.

To help make sense of what you find, we recommend you pick up a copy of Megan’s A Field Guide to the Fossils and Geology of the Isle of Wight at Medina Books in Cowes or order it online.  The 330-page guide has been designed for use out in the field, helping beginners, students, families, walkers and experienced fossil enthusiasts identify finds, understand the Island’s geology and discover why the Isle of Wight is so important to palaeontologists.

Whether you join a guided walk, visit Dinosaur Isle or take the guide along on your next beach day, fossil hunting is a wonderful way for families to slow down, look closely and connect with the Island’s extraordinary natural history.