One of UK’s best fossil collections sold overseas in ‘loss to the nation’
Summary
A large and important collection of Jurassic fossils from the UK, collected by Chris Moore, has been sold to the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi. British museums could not afford the high price, leading experts to view this sale as a loss for the UK’s natural heritage.Key Facts
- The collection includes 318 fossils such as ichthyosaurs, fish, and crustaceans, some possibly new species.
- The fossils come from the Lower Lias rock formations near Lyme Regis and Charmouth on the UK’s Jurassic Coast.
- UK museums like the Natural History Museum in London and Amgueddfa Cymru were offered the collection but did not buy it due to lack of funds.
- The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi purchased the collection and displayed it publicly starting in November 2025.
- The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO world heritage site known for fossils dating back 145 to 200 million years.
- Private fossil collecting has a long history in the area, with famous collectors like Mary Anning.
- Experts say the sale raises questions about who should fund the preservation of important natural heritage in the UK.
- Some countries claim all fossils found on their soil belong to the state, but this is not the case in the UK.
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