The West Dorset fossil collecting code of conduct has been running since 1999 and was developed through a working party of interested groups with wider consultation. The code was accepted by UNESCO as appropriate management for a rapidly eroding coastline. As part of the Dorset and East Devon Coast Management Plan review (2011), it was agreed that it was time to undertake a review of the code.

The review is now complete (March 2012) following a consultation period based on a consultation paper which is still available by following the links below. The new review documents include all of the views received and their consideration by the Science and Conservation Advisory Group, the Fossil Code Working Group and the World Heritage Site Steering Group.

 fossil_code_review_responses_consideration 137.49 Kb

 fossil_code_review_responses_to_the_consultation 340.70 Kb

The original review document sets out the background to the code and undertakes the review in two parts: part 1 the state of the coast and part 2; the record of important specimens. It includes a discussion and a series of appendices including a response questionnaire. Please note that these documents remain here as a record of the process. The consultation period has finished. However, we remain open to ongoing discussion, debate and reports or views on specimens and site condition but please direct these to the Earth Science Manager within the Jurassic Coast Team.

 west_dorset_fossil_code_review 196.96 Kb

 appendix_1__all_specimens 140.84 Kb

 appendix_2_reclassification_and_de_classification_of_specimens 21.87 Kb

 appendix_3_category_1_specimens 45.05 Kb

 appendix_4_specimens_purchased_by_collecting_cultures 29.16 Kb

 appendix_5_defining_scientific_importance 19.64 Kb

 appendix_6._consultation_list_final 23.33 Kb

 appendix_7_questionnaire 57.50 Kb

 appendix_8._plates 2.41 Mb

 appendix_9_issues_and_recommendations_identified 80.26 Kb

The consultation started in June and will finish at the end of September. The responses will be considered by the Science and Conservation Advisory Group and fossil code working group.