One of the UK’s most important fossil collections, featuring 318 specimens from the Jurassic period, has been sold to a museum in Abu Dhabi. This sale highlights a troubling trend where financial constraints prevent British institutions from acquiring significant natural heritage. The Natural History Museum in London and Amgueddfa Cymru in Wales both cited lack of funds as reasons for not purchasing the collection, which included ichthyosaurs and potentially new species.
Experts are alarmed by this loss, describing it as a national setback. The fossils were collected from the renowned Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and their absence from UK museums means that the public will miss out on vital educational opportunities. The collection’s sale raises questions about the future of fossil preservation in the UK and the responsibility of funding heritage.
Chris Moore, the private collector, faced challenges in finding a suitable home for his collection, reflecting a broader issue within the UK regarding the preservation of fossil heritage. Unlike some countries that claim fossil ownership for the state, the UK allows private collectors to sell their finds, sometimes leading to significant specimens leaving the country. This situation could become more common as collectors age and seek to sell their collections.
The implications of this sale extend beyond just the loss of fossils; it signals a need for better funding and policies to protect the UK’s natural history. With the growing trend of private sales to overseas institutions, there is a pressing need for a national conversation about the value of preserving the UK’s fossil heritage for future generations.
Source: The Guardian
