Milford-on-Sea fossils and fossil collecting
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Medium
The seeds bed is packed with a large variety of seeds in high preservation, the only problem might be finding it. Whilst the bed can be easily identified by the black band, sometimes it might be obscured by slippages.
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Older
This location is suitable for older children. The beach is fairly safe up to the point of where it becomes sheer. From where the seed beds are, you will need to keep children away from the edge of the cliff. |
Fair Access
The walk from the car park to the seed bed is not that far, however, it is along a stony beach which can be hard going, especially if bringing back samples. Take this into mind when loading up your samples!
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Cliffs
Fossils are found by taking samples from the beds within the cliff. This can be dangerous, so take extra care. |
No Restrictions
There are no restrictions at this site, hammering and collecting is permitted. However we ask that you follow our fossil code of conduct which can be found in the link below.
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The sea at Milford-on-Sea often reaches the base of the cliff, where the seed beds are being washed out. This is the only part that can be dangerous as it is also quite sheer and can be tricky during wet conditions, or after fresh falls.
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Milford-on-Sea
Tide Times
UK Tidal data is owned by Crown Copyright, and therefore sadly we are not allowed to display tide times without paying expensive annual contracts. However we sell them via our store, including FREE POSTAGE
Click here to buy a tide table |
| Last updated: |
2012 |
| last visited: |
2011 |
| Written by: |
Alister and Alison Cruickshanks |
Locations similar to Milford-on-Sea
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This guide examines the beds from Milford-on-Sea to the start of Hordle. We have another guide, "Taddiford Gap" that examines the main section at Hordle. is an outstanding location for fossil seeds; the bed here is packed full with many different species. The bed can be identified by a black, or dark blue band running between the pale clays. This makes it easy to identify. Above this band is also rich in small molluscs, although these tend to break up fairly easily. It is best to take samples from this dark band and sieve at home using 0.5mm sieves under running water. It is best to also let the samples soak in water for a few days to break it down.
On the foreshore, blocks of ironstone concretions can be seen washed out of the base of the cliff, these can contain very good mollusc specimens although are very hard to break.
View of the seed at Milford-on-Sea
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Eocene, 36mya |
The seed beds are part of the Unio beds of the Headon Hill Formation. These make up nearly all of the cliff at this end of Milford-on-Sea. At the base of the cliff, the Chama bed yields large blocks of iron concretions. At the very top of the cliff, Pleistocene gravels are followed by a thin ‘rodent’ bed, although rodents are rare at this end. ...[more]
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A trowel is important for taking samples and we recommend sieves of no greater than 0.5mm for sieving on site. Sample bags are also essential. |
Metal Polishing |
Meteorites |
Microscopy |
Metal Barrelling Machines are used for de burring, polishing, cleaning or removing surface scratches from metal and jewellery.
These are ideal for cleaning or polishing a variety of metals including brass, silver, steel and gold. They can be used for silver clay and other hobbies.
The machines have a barrel with special fins inside, which helps turn the metal round, to polish or debur. We sell a variety of different sized machines from hobby to commercial. |
Meteorites can be found all over the world. Often, large pieces are broken down either naturally or by hand, or sliced and sold as small fragments, each fall is well documented. Meteorites are very collectable, especially ones of Mars or Moon rocks.
We sell Meteorites, which are in stock and mostly come in a display boxs. Our meteorites are from all over the world and include Mars and Moon Meteorites, and rocks from outer space. For more information, please see our meteorite page.
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At most locations, you can find microfossils. You only need a small sample of the sand. You then need to wash it in water and sieve using a test sieve. Once the sand is processed, you can then view the contents using a microscope.
We have a wide range of microscopes for sale, you will need a Stereomicroscope for viewing microfossils. The best one we sell is the IMXZ, but a basic microscope will be fine. Once you have found microfossils, you will need to store these microfossils. |
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Take the B3058 from Barton-on-Sea to Milford-on-Sea, passing the Taddisford Gap (Hordle Cliff) car park. 
