Fossil Forest

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Hampshire

England

Fossil Forest

Climbing up from Compton Beach â 1978 Not the best of weather for an open-top bus trip, this was a special hire by a group of bus enthusiasts visiting the island.

Southern Vectis 702 is a Bristol K with ECW bodywork, new to the company in 1939 and converted for open top services in 1959. When this view was taken she was already approaching her 40th year of service with the company, and although seen here on a private charter, was still regularly used on normal services. In 2021, now affectionately called &#039;The Old Girl&#039;, she is still in service, although now only used for special private charter work. As such, she holds the UK, and possibly world, record for a bus in continuous service with the same operator.

This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761">Link</a> — Climbing up from Compton Beach â 1978 Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

Fossil Forest is a remarkable coastal feature located in Hampshire, England. Situated on the southern coast, it is specifically found on the western edge of the Isle of Wight, near the village of Yarmouth. This unique site is classified as a headland, protruding out into the English Channel, forming a distinctive point.

Fossil Forest gets its name from the extraordinary fossilized trees that can be seen in the exposed cliffs. The trees, which are estimated to be around 36 million years old, were preserved in their original upright position through a process called petrification. Over time, as the cliffs eroded, the fossilized trees have become visible to the naked eye, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

Visitors to Fossil Forest can explore the area and witness the remnants of these ancient trees, which stand as a testament to the geological history of the region. The site offers a unique opportunity to observe a prehistoric landscape and gain insight into the environmental conditions that existed millions of years ago.

Due to its scientific and educational value, Fossil Forest has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is a popular destination for fossil enthusiasts, geologists, and nature lovers alike, who come to marvel at the ancient trees and learn more about the geological processes that have shaped the area.

Overall, Fossil Forest is a captivating coastal feature, offering a window into the past and providing a fascinating glimpse into the Earth's history.

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Fossil Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.651877/-1.464381 or Grid Reference SZ3783. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Climbing up from Compton Beach â 1978 Not the best of weather for an open-top bus trip, this was a special hire by a group of bus enthusiasts visiting the island.

Southern Vectis 702 is a Bristol K with ECW bodywork, new to the company in 1939 and converted for open top services in 1959. When this view was taken she was already approaching her 40th year of service with the company, and although seen here on a private charter, was still regularly used on normal services. In 2021, now affectionately called &#039;The Old Girl&#039;, she is still in service, although now only used for special private charter work. As such, she holds the UK, and possibly world, record for a bus in continuous service with the same operator.

This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761">Link</a>

Climbing up from Compton Beach â 1978

Not the best of weather for an open-top bus trip, this was a special hire by a group of bus enthusiasts visiting the island. Southern Vectis 702 is a Bristol K with ECW bodywork, new to the company in 1939 and converted for open top services in 1959. When this view was taken she was already approaching her 40th year of service with the company, and although seen here on a private charter, was still regularly used on normal services. In 2021, now affectionately called 'The Old Girl', she is still in service, although now only used for special private charter work. As such, she holds the UK, and possibly world, record for a bus in continuous service with the same operator. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust

Grassy path from Brook This is Public Bridleway BS87, an extension of Coastguard Lane towards Compton Grange.

Grassy path from Brook

This is Public Bridleway BS87, an extension of Coastguard Lane towards Compton Grange.

The Tennyson Trail across Brook Down Offering wonderful views from the top of West Wight&#039;s chalkland spine, the Trail passes through the whole of the grid square en route to Tennyson Down.

The Tennyson Trail across Brook Down

Offering wonderful views from the top of West Wight's chalkland spine, the Trail passes through the whole of the grid square en route to Tennyson Down.

Brook Hill House A Grade 2-listed country house built in the early years of the 20th century for Charles Seely, 1st Baronet (1833-1915). The building became the home of writer J B Priestley between 1948 and 1959, and has since been converted into six apartments.

Brook Hill House

A Grade 2-listed country house built in the early years of the 20th century for Charles Seely, 1st Baronet (1833-1915). The building became the home of writer J B Priestley between 1948 and 1959, and has since been converted into six apartments.

Sunset seen from Shippards Chine

Sunset seen from Shippards Chine

Tennyson Trail on Brook Down

Tennyson Trail on Brook Down

Path on Brook Down

Path on Brook Down

Path on Brook Down

Path on Brook Down

Tennyson Trail on Brook Down

Tennyson Trail on Brook Down

Brook Hill House from Brook Down

Brook Hill House from Brook Down

Tennyson Trail on Brook Down

Tennyson Trail on Brook Down

View from Brook Down

View from Brook Down

Tennyson Trail on Brook Down

Tennyson Trail on Brook Down

Hamstead Trail towards Wellow

Hamstead Trail towards Wellow

Hamstead Trail towards Wellow

Hamstead Trail towards Wellow

Fingerpost on the Hamstead Trail

Fingerpost on the Hamstead Trail

Hamstead Trail towards Wellow

Hamstead Trail towards Wellow

Compton Bay Looking along the beach at Compton Bay from the car park near Shippards Chine, with the change from chalk to sandstone in the cliffs clearly visible.

Compton Bay

Looking along the beach at Compton Bay from the car park near Shippards Chine, with the change from chalk to sandstone in the cliffs clearly visible.

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Fossil Forest is located at Grid Ref: SZ3783 (Lat: 50.651877, Lng: -1.464381)

Unitary Authority: Isle of Wight

Police Authority: Hampshire

What 3 Words

///jaws.ripen.precautions. Near Brighstone, Isle of Wight

Nearby Locations

Hanover Point Fossil Forest

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.651877,-1.464381

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6514812/-1.4616298

Source: Bing

Lat/Long: 50.6549/-1.4670879

Bus Stop

Compton Bay

Bench: no

Bin: no

Bus: yes

Contact Website: https://www.islandbuses.info/stops/230000012120

Lit: no

Naptan AtcoCode: 230000012120

Naptan Bearing: NW

Naptan CommonName: Hanover Point

Naptan Indicator: towards Freshwater Bay

Naptan Landmark: National Trust Car Park

Naptan NaptanCode: iowjpdp

Naptan Street: Military Road

Public Transport: platform

Shelter: no

Source: naptan_import

Source Name: Southern Vectis

Tactile Paving: no

Lat/Long: 50.6551257/-1.4657589

Bus Stop

Compton Bay

Bench: no

Bin: no

Bus: yes

Contact Website: https://www.islandbuses.info/stops/230000013620

Lit: no

Naptan AtcoCode: 230000013620

Naptan Bearing: SE

Naptan BusStopType: CUS

Naptan CommonName: Hanover Point

Naptan Indicator: towards Newport

Naptan NaptanCode: iowmgmj

Naptan Street: Military Road

Public Transport: platform

Shelter: no

Source: naptan_import

Source Name: Southern Vectis

Tactile Paving: no

Lat/Long: 50.6552829/-1.4655649

Bicycle Parking

Hanover Point bike parking

Bicycle Parking: stands

Capacity: 8

Covered: no

Lat/Long: 50.6552588/-1.4662373

Seamark Type: beacon_special_purpose

Lat/Long: 50.6515402/-1.4647835

Disused Shop: yes

Lat/Long: 50.6552819/-1.4666068

Board Type: wildlife

Check Date: 2022-10-09

Information: board

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 50.655103/-1.4661987

Vending Machine

Check Date: 2022-10-09

Vending: parking_tickets

Lat/Long: 50.6550333/-1.4663208

Hiking: yes

Information: guidepost

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 50.6524379/-1.4608611

Defibrillator

Check Date: 2023-10-22

Emergency: defibrillator

Lat/Long: 50.6552914/-1.4660358

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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