Three Jurassic ammonites discovered in quarry

Three ammonite fossils from the Jurassic period have been discovered at a quarry in Rutland.

The fossils were discovered by members of the Peterborough Geological and Palaeontological Group in spoil heaps at Grange Top Quarry, Ketton Cement Works, Rutland County Council said.

Scientists have said the ammonites have provided new evidence about the Jurassic past of the county, which was covered by a warm sea and bathed in a subtropical climate at the time.

The county council said the "wonderful" discoveries were being cared for by Rutland County Museum.

According to the council, the fossils were examined as part of newly published peer-reviewed research by Darren Withers, Michael Ashton and Robert B. Chandler, together with a fourth ammonite from Park Lodge Quarry near Gretton in Northamptonshire.

The fourth fossil is the first ammonite confirmed to have been found in the Collyweston Beds, the lowermost part of the Lincolnshire Limestone Formation in the area.

It indicates that the beds date back to the Middle Jurassic age - approximately 170 million years ago - agreeing with the Ketton specimens and earlier discoveries in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Collectively, they show the lower Lincolnshire Limestone found across the three counties is of the same age.

The three ammonites from Rutland are being held at the Rutland County Museum, which is set to be redeveloped under plans revealed this year.

Rosemary Powell, portfolio holder for economy and place at the county council, said: "These discoveries are a wonderful example of how Rutland's rich heritage continues to reveal new stories and contribute to our understanding of the past.

"Our museum plays an important role in preserving that heritage and making it available for future generations.

"The planned redevelopment will help secure its long-term future, protecting important collections while creating new opportunities for residents, visitors, researchers and young people to engage with Rutland's history."

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