Fossil artwork marks David Attenborough's birthday

9 hours ago

Isaac AsheEast Midlands

News image — Visitors to Beacon Hill can learn about a fossil named in Sir David Attenborough's honour

Leicestershire County Council Dignitaries at the unveiling of the sculpture — Visitors to Beacon Hill can learn about a fossil named in Sir David Attenborough's honour

A new sculpture has been unveiled to mark Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday at a site the naturalist explored as a schoolboy.

Introducing his 2010 series First Life, Attenborough - who marked his milestone birthday with a special concert at London's Royal Albert Hall on Friday - spoke of his love for the ancient rocky landscape of Beacon Hill.

On Friday, a wood carving of the fossil Auroralumina attenboroughii was unveiled at the country park, near Loughborough in Leicestershire.

Visitors can now learn more about the fossil, which was discovered in Charnwood Forest's 600-million-year-old rocks and named in Attenborough's honour.

The sculpture was created by Leicestershire-based chainsaw sculptor Peter Leadbeater.

Paul Harrison, chairman of Leicestershire County Council, said having it "at one of Leicestershire's iconic parks is a true honour", while councillor for country parks Adam Tilbury said Beacon Hill was "the perfect home" for the carving.

Leicestershire County Council The wooden carved fronds of the fossil against a blue sky — A 560-million-year-old fossil is depicted in the brand new artwork

Interpretation boards have also been installed near the lower car park to explain the discovery of Auroralumina by Dr Frankie Dunn and a team from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

The fossil, discovered in 2022, was the earliest known evidence of an animal predator from around 560 million years ago.

It was named after Attenborough in recognition of his work raising awareness of Charnwood Forest's fossils.

BBC Studios Sir David Attenborough holding up his letter from the King at the Royal Albert Hall, while seated next to Prince William — Sir David Attenborough, seated next to Prince William, received a standing ovation as he held up the King's letter on Friday

Dr Jack Matthews, geoheritage officer at Charnwood Forest Geopark, said: "Auroralumina attenboroughii is one of our most famous fossils – but it's also very rare – so rare we keep its location secret.

"Thanks to our partnership with the county council, and the amazing sculpture of Sir David's fossil, we can now share this fascinating story with visitors to the Geopark and ensure everyone knows just how amazing Charnwood Forest's geology is."

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