Hundreds of enormous dinosaur footprints have recently been discovered in Dewars Farm Quarry, Oxfordshire, establishing the site as the largest dinosaur trackway location ever unearthed in the UK. Dating back around 166 million years to the Middle Jurassic Period, this extraordinary find comprises five separate trackways representing both carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs, including the formidable Megalosaurus and the long-necked Cetiosaurus.
Professor Kirsty Edgar, a micropalaeontologist from the University of Birmingham, remarked, "That’s one of the most impressive track sites I’ve ever seen, in terms of scale and the size of the tracks." The discovery was first made by Gary Johnson, who was working at the quarry. While clearing clay, he felt unusual bumps under the ground, sparking curiosity and leading to this monumental unearthing. Johnson recalled the moments of discovery, saying, "I was the first person to see them. And it was so surreal - a bit of a tingling moment, really."
Following Johnson's observation, experts from the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham, along with over 100 scientists, students, and volunteers, undertook a detailed excavation of the trackways. They utilized modern techniques, including aerial drone photography, to capture more than 20,000 images of the footprints and build 3D models of the excavation site.
Among the newly uncovered tracks, one impressive sauropod footprint was measured at over 150 meters long. This discovery offers unprecedented insight not just about the dinosaurs themselves but about the environment they lived in—a warm lagoon teeming with life. Notably, one area of the site captures the moment Megalosaurus crossed paths with Cetiosaurus, raising intriguing questions about their interactions during the Jurassic era. "Knowing this one individual dinosaur walked across this surface and left exactly this print is so exhilarating," said Dr. Duncan Murdock from the University of Oxford.
The footprints suggest much more than just giant creatures traversing muddy shores; they provide paleontologists with invaluable information about these species’ behavior and movements. Professor Richard Butler emphasized the importance of such tracks, stating, "The tracks give us a whole different set of information you can't get from the bone fossil record." These footprints act like snapshots of their time, helping researchers understand how these majestic animals lived and roamed the Earth.
Interestingly, the find builds on previous discoveries made nearby; another significant site was unearthed back in 1997 which revealed over 40 sets of footprints. These earlier tracks were found to provide major insights about the types of dinosaurs living during the Middle Jurassic Period, but the tools available then were limited compared to today's technology, such as detailed imaging and advanced excavation techniques.
The impact of modern digital recording methods cannot be understated. The newly created 3D models will serve not only as educational tools but also as part of future research efforts. With the footprints preserved under layers of sediment, the researchers are left pondering their long-term fate. They believe more remains to be discovered, potentially unearthing additional echoes from our prehistoric past.
This significant find will be highlighted on the BBC’s Digging for Britain, which is set to air on January 8, with the entire excavation process documented comprehensively. The discovery will also feature prominently at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History's new exhibition titled Breaking Ground, where visitors will engage with the rich narrative of the Jurassic age.
The collaborative excavation effort, backed by substantial support from the quarry management, showcases the merging of historical inquiry with modern technology, ensuring the preservation of these footprints for generations to come. And as scientists continue their explorations, they remain enthusiastic about what more the site has to offer.