The Fossils and Geology of the Isle of Wight

Aim: I am raising funds to cover the printing cost for a fully comprehensive field guide to all the Isle of Wight's geology and fossils.

The book

A Field Guide to Fossils and Geology of the Isle of Wight: is the first of its kind for the island. It is a fully comprehensive volume, encompassing all the palaeontology and geology that is exposed on the island, aimed at a general reader rather than being a academic work!

There are 7 chapters in total, starting with the history of palaeontology on the island, followed by an explanation of the geological structure of the island, and the geology you’ll see on the beaches. 

There’s a large chapter describing localities around the island to visit, giving readers a chance to explore different areas and discover a wide variety of fossils. There are also a entire chapter dedicated to fossil identification, encompassing over 400 fossils! These are categorised by age and group of animal (or plant) to aid in identifying finds. These also include information about the fossil animals themselves, and their biology too! As well as recommendations for responsible collecting practices and contact information if you find something interesting!

The book will contain over 330 full-colour diagrams and photographs. It will be 24 x 17 cm, portrait, and softcover, allowing it to fit in most bags and be used on the beaches to identify fossils as you find them! With 130 gsm silk art paper for high-quality printing, and to ensure images are not seen through the pages. It will be thread-sewn, and all materials used as be FSC-approved. 

Below is the finished cover design!! 

About the Author

Hello, I’m Megan Jacobs, a palaeontologist born and living on the Isle of Wight. Currently, I am studying for a PhD at the University of Portsmouth, researching aspects of the geology and palaeoecology of dinosaurs on the Isle of Wight. 

I have published several scientific papers and conduct research on various palaeontological topics, including describing new species of dinosaurs, pterosaurs and even ichthyosaurs, although the latter is not from the island! Including researching a T-rex!!

In 2019, myself and fellow students, established Wight Coast Fossils and, for the last 6 years, we have been providing guided fossil and geology tours for tourists, locals and schools. 

Over the years, I have taken thousands of people searching for fossils and examining the amazing geological features along the island’s coastline. On almost every fossil walk, I’m asked, “Is there a book where we can learn more about what we’re finding?” or “Is there something we can use to identify our fossil finds?” 

There are a couple of books available; however, these are tailored to academics, riddled with complex terminology, complicated figures, and lack simplified explanations for the general reader. This can be very off-putting for beginners, and without a scientific background, it can be difficult to understand the content. 

I quickly realised that there isn’t a book that encompasses all the Isle of Wight’s geology and fossils available for a general readership. 

Seeing a gap in the market, along with a demand, a couple of years ago, I began to write my book. Answering all the questions I’m asked, and written in a way that is accessible to all ages and abilities. 

This has taken about three years to write, involving drawing diagrams, photographing hundreds of fossils, and writing descriptions to explain the more scientific concepts in easy-to-understand language. I have worked with local fossil collectors to include as many examples of island fossils as possible to produce a comprehensive identification guide. In addition, I have drawn on the skills of senior palaeontologists and geologists at the University of Portsmouth to ensure that the content is scientifically accurate.

Below is a sneak peek at some examples from the fossil identification section:

Why the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight is most famously known as the best place in the UK, and possibly even in all of Europe, to find dinosaurs! Indeed, it is often referred to as ‘Dinosaur Isle’ or ‘Britain’s dinosaur capital’.  Thousands travel to the island from across the globe every year to see our famous dinosaur footprints at Compton Bay, walk the beaches to find fossils or to study our geology.

Despite dinosaurs being a huge draw for scientists and tourists alike, the island boasts 100 million years’ worth of geology, yielding an extraordinary diversity of fossils for the limited geological exposures, many of which are unique to the island! These range from ammonites, sharks, pterosaurs, mammals and even worked flint tools from our ancestors! 

Why crowdfunding?

I am working with Medina Publishing, a local independent publisher based on the Isle of Wight. To help support their business and ensure we can produce the best possible book, I am raising funds to cover the professional design, layout and production costs for 2,000 full colour copies. 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 31st August 2025 at 11:59am