Dinosaur Footprints Discovered in Oxfordshire!
A groundbreaking discovery at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire has revealed the UK’s largest dinosaur footprint site. Unearthed within the quarry, over 200 remarkably well-preserved footprints have been dated to around 166 million years ago, during the Middle Jurassic Period. This find provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of dinosaurs that once roamed the region.
Photo Credit: Emma Nicholls/Oxford University Museum of Natural History
A Chance Discovery by a Quarry Worker
The discovery came thanks to Gary Johnson, a quarry worker, who first noticed the footprints while clearing clay from the quarry floor. Upon investigation, experts identified tracks belonging to two distinct dinosaur species. Four trackways were made by enormous plant-eating sauropods, likely Cetiosaurus, which could grow up to 18 metres in length. Their round, elephant-like footprints hint at the creatures’ massive size.
The fifth trackway, on the other hand, belonged to a carnivorous theropod, believed to be a Megalosaurus. This predator, measuring up to nine metres long, left sharp, three-toed prints known as tridactyl tracks.
Photo Credit: Caroline Wood/Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Stepping Back in Time
The site has captivated researchers, with Professor Kirsty Edgar of the University of Birmingham describing it as “one of the most impressive track sites” she has seen. “You can almost step back in time and imagine these massive creatures moving through the landscape,” she said.
Scientists believe the tracks were originally formed in the soft mud of a tropical lagoon. Over time, sediments buried and preserved them in extraordinary detail. Some of the trackways stretch over 150 metres, though experts think they could extend even further, as only part of the quarry has been explored so far.
One particularly intriguing discovery is an overlapping set of tracks: a theropod’s three-toed print partially compresses a sauropod’s large, rounded footprint. This interaction provides a rare insight into the behaviour and movements of these ancient animals.
Unlocking Secrets of the Jurassic
In June 2024, a week-long excavation brought together over 100 scientists, students, and volunteers from the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham. Using advanced drone photography, they created detailed 3D models of the trackways, allowing researchers to study them closely and preserve the data for future generations.
The footprints offer invaluable information about the locomotion, size, and behaviour of these dinosaurs. Additionally, other fossils found at the site—including burrows, shells, and plant remains—paint a vivid picture of the ancient ecosystem these creatures inhabited.
Photo Credit: Emma Nicholls/Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Preserving History for the Future
Efforts are now focused on safeguarding the site to ensure its preservation for future generations. Scientists hope to uncover more tracks and fossils as they continue their exploration of the quarry.
As Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham explained, “The wonderful thing about a dinosaur footprint, particularly if you have a trackway, is that it’s a snapshot in the life of the animal.” These footprints don’t just mark a moment frozen in time; they connect us to a world that existed millions of years ago, offering a glimpse into the lives of Earth’s most iconic creatures.