5
Code of good practice
Adopting a responsible approach to collecting is essential for conserving our fossil
heritage. The basic principles set out below should be followed by all those intending to
collect fossils.
• Access and ownership - permission to enter private land and collect fossils must
always be gained and local byelaws should be obeyed. A clear agreement should be
made over the future ownership of any fossils collected.
• Collecting - in general, collect only a few representative specimens and obtain these
from fallen or loose material. Detailed scientific study will require collections of
fossils in situ.
• Site management - avoid disturbance to wildlife and do not leave the site in an untidy
or dangerous condition for those who follow.
• Recording and curation - always record precisely the locality at which fossils are
found and, if collected in situ, record relevant horizon details. Ensure that these
records can be directly related to the specimens concerned. Where necessary, seek
specialist advice on specimen identification and care. Fossils of prime scientific
importance should be placed in a suitable repository, normally a museum with
adequate curatorial and storage facilities.
Achieving positive management
In order to achieve the successful management of our fossil heritage, English Nature will:
• Promote the responsible approach outlined in the Code of good practice above.
• Encourage the placement of scientifically important fossils into a suitable repository
(such as a museum) in order to ensure their proper curation, long-term security and
accessibility.
• Recognise the contribution that responsible fossil collectors can make to geological
and Palaeontological study.
• Encourage collaboration within the geological community to ensure that maximum
educational and scientific gain is made from our fossil resource.
• Support and encourage initiatives that increase awareness and understanding of the
value of, and the need to conserve, our fossil resource.
• Increase awareness and understanding of the differing management needs of fossil
localities. In particular, encourage landowners and occupiers to become better
advocates for conservation of the fossil resource through agreed site management
statements.
• Review the necessity for tighter export and import controls and the need for a
common international approach to fossil conservation.
ENGLISH NATURE May 1996
Nature Conservancy Council for England
Northminster House, Peterborough PEl 1UA. Tel: (01733) 340345 Fax: (01733) 68834
-------------------------Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 23, November 1997--------------------------