The ammonites of the Lower Cretaceous Gault Clay and Folkestone beds of the South East of England has been known as a website for many years and has won for its originator Jim Craig some very important awards. However Websites are transitory in nature and may not be accessible forever. Using the website images and with some help from friends Fred Clouter is developing a guide to identification for the ammonites figured on the website as well as the Nautilus and belemnite species usually found. Featuring explanations about the Gault Clay, the stratigraphy of Copt Point, Folkestone and the position of the various beds, information about ammonites and the terminology used to describe them with a Glossary and sections for the visual identification of a wide variety of species. The list however is not, and cannot be inclusive of all the species found in the Gault clay but includes all of the major families and some very rare specimens. This little book is intended for the average collector but, where possible gives full detail of Family, sub- family, genus, species and horizon and location.

Price £15.00

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The London Clay fossils of the Isle of Sheppey publication of 2000 represents the Millenium project undertaken by four members of the Society. All of the fossils illustrated are from the collections of the societies members, or from the collections of friends. Completed in just one year the book has proven to be a major success and has been sold to interested collectors, societies and museums all over the world. This is a limited edition of only a1000 copies and is the first publication detailing the fossil fauna of the London clay. The authors are now engaged in a second edition of the book which will, for the first time cover all the major London clay exposures of the Thames basin.

The authors are:- Fred Clouter, Tony Mitchell, David Rayner and Martin Rayner

NOW SOLD OUT

THE SECOND EDITION IS NOW IN PREPARATION AND WILL INCLUDE MANY OF THE LONDON CLAY LOCATIONS FROM THE LONDON BASIN INCLUDING SITES FROM ESSEX AND KENT

The Wealden project

The Wealden Project began during 1999 and is a study of the Wealden Rocks of the Lower Cretaceous Hastings and Weald Clay Groups, so far, (we may add the Lower Greensand in future). We have attempted to collect samples of as many of the rocks named, principally by the BGS and some from other sources as well as other unnamed rocks as we could find. Generally clays have been omitted.

A number of different sites were visited earlier on into the project, to collect samples. Sites were located from data within the Wealden area BGS memoirs. This was problematic as many sites are now no longer accessible. This is largely due to landfill and redevelopment. However, we were able to find sufficient lithologies to enable the project to progress. The sites visited and collected from have all been assessed, with reports and photographs included with most of them.

There are currently over 100 samples. All have been catalogued and cut to size, using our own customised rock-sawing machine. Every sample has been photographed, most with enlarged views, either of their structure or of an interesting fossil or feature within the rock.

Many samples have had thin sections made; these have also been photographed with reports written. Nearly all the rocks have had XRD tests, where the oxides of the majority elements, including Si, Al, Fe and Ca have been measured by per cent. In some cases grain size and form have been measured. The system used was unable to measure the heavy elements.

The amount of data collected has now become such that we were prompted to design our own CD-ROM and collate it all on to that. This also means that copies of it are available for sale.

The project was the brainchild of Harry Day, secretary of the MLMS. He has been ably assisted throughout by Dave Talbot and Robert Stout, members of the Society.

Now available to purchase CD £12 + P&P, UK £1-50, Europe £2-00, US/Can./Australia £2-50 Contact to order your copy