Largest Dinosaur Trackway in the UK Uncovered: Over 200 Footprints Found
A significant discovery has been made at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, where over 200 dinosaur footprints—estimated to be 166 million years old—have been uncovered. This site, reportedly the largest of its kind in the UK, offers valuable insights into the movements of ancient dinosaurs. The footprints, preserved on a limestone surface, include tracks from long-necked sauropods, likely Cetiosaurus, and the carnivorous Megalosaurus. Some trackways stretch up to 150 meters, with further excavation expected to reveal more.
Discovery and Research
According to the BBC, the footprints were first spotted by quarry worker Gary Johnson, who noticed unusual ridges while operating heavy machinery. Upon closer inspection, a repeating pattern of tracks was revealed. This prompted a large-scale excavation involving scientists, students, and volunteers over the summer.
Emma Nicholls, a vertebrate palaeontologist from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, described the clarity of the three-toed prints, which are attributed to Megalosaurus, a swift Jurassic predator measuring up to 9 meters in length. Tracks from sauropods, herbivores that could reach 18 meters, were also identified, resembling massive elephant-like footprints.
Preservation and Study
Researchers believe a sudden natural event, possibly a storm, buried the tracks in sediment, preserving them for millions of years. To document the site, detailed analyses, including 3D modelling and casting, are underway.
Professor Richard Butler, a palaeobiologist at the University of Birmingham, emphasized that such trackways provide rare insights into the behavior and environment of prehistoric animals, complementing fossil records. Collaborative efforts with quarry operators and conservation groups are ongoing to ensure the site’s preservation.
With more footprints likely to be uncovered, this discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into Earth’s distant past and its ancient inhabitants.
