A selection of fossils discovered during the construction of the HS2 rail project has gone on display to the public for the first time.
The temporary display at Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH) includes finds made by contractors working on cuttings and tunnels across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Northants.
The fossils include the partial remains of marine reptiles called ichthyosaurs, as well as smaller creatures they would have hunted. They provide a valuable insight into life beneath the warm seas which covered large parts of central England during the Jurassic Period between 201 million and 145 million years ago.
Alongside the specimens, the display at OUMNH also shows archive material from Professor John Phillips (1800-1874), the Museum’s first Keeper. Phillips was among the earliest academics to embrace the new opportunities for geological study that were presented by the construction of the British railway network during the 19th century.
A distinguished field geologist and palaeontologist, Phillips was also a prolific writer and an enthusiastic advocate of train travel, collecting fossils during the construction of the new railways between London and Oxford.
His book, Railway Excursions from York, Leeds and Hull (1855), combined geology with commentary on the changing landscape and tips for Victorian travellers.
OUMNH’s Earth Collections Assistant, Dr Emily Swaby, said:
“Through this exhibit in our Presenting case, we can reflect on how the development of Britain’s railway infrastructure has played such a pivotal role in advancing our geological and palaeontological knowledge for more than two centuries.
“Without the efforts of geologists and palaeontologists, from pioneers such as Professor John Phillips to the academics involved in HS2 excavations, who carefully documented and excavated the fossils revealed during these infrastructure projects, our understanding of Earth’s history would be far more limited.”
The oldest ichthyosaur found during the project is thought to date from around 183 million years ago. The remains were discovered near Greatworth in Northamptonshire during the construction of a cut and cover ‘green tunnel’ and consist of a well-preserved section of tail and lower body. It is likely that the animal, which would have fed on crustaceans and fish, was between 3 to 4 metres long, when it died, with the body sinking into the mud where it was then fossilised.
The remains of a second ichthyosaur were discovered near Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire. It is thought to be around 25 million years younger and would have been around 5 to 6 metres long. The remains consist of 18 vertebrae along with several neural spines and ribs, indicating that the Waddesdon ichthyosaur was likely scavenged by other predators after it died, with the bones scattered across the seabed.
The discovery of the HS2 fossils was co-ordinated by engineering geologists working for HS2’s main works contractor EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall.
EKFB are responsible for building an 80km stretch of the new railway from the Chilterns to South Warwickshire passing through a 200-million-year cross-section of Jurassic geology. Once complete, the railway will improve journeys between Britain’s two largest cities, while freeing up space on the existing route for more freight and local services.
The contractor team regularly supervise academic geologist and researcher visits to allow sample collection and study of the rocks newly exposed during the works. The first ichthyosaur was found during such a site visit by Dr Murray Edmonds, Sally Hollingsworth and Dr Neville Hollingworth, and successfully recovered for preservation by natural history conservator Nigel Larkin, and ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax.
EKFB’s Lead Geologist, Giles Hemmings, said:
“This year marks the 200th anniversary of the first modern railway and it’s amazing to think how much the construction of the railways has contributed to our understanding of Britain’s geology and the prehistory of these islands.
“That’s why I’m so pleased that all specimens uncovered during the HS2 project will be offered to museum collections, including OUMNH, where they can be studied and made accessible for future research.”
The OUMNH was established in 1860 to draw together scientific studies from across the University of Oxford. Today, the award-winning Museum continues to be a place of scientific research, collecting and fieldwork, and plays host to a programme of events, exhibitions and activities for the public and school students of all ages.
Highlights in the collections include the world's first scientifically described dinosaur – Megalosaurus bucklandii – and the world-famous Oxford Dodo, the only soft tissue remains of the extinct dodo. The Museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm and admission is free.
Once the temporary display finishes, the remains of the Waddesdon ichthyosaur will be donated to Discover Bucks, in Aylesbury.
