Fossil Large Reptile Bones Block Aust Cliff Westbury Formation Upper Triassic Bristol UK

Description

Authentic Fossil Reptile Bones from Aust Cliff

This specimen is a genuine fossil block containing large reptile bones from the world-renowned fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. Originating from the Upper Triassic Westbury Formation of the Penarth Group, this piece represents an important part of Britain’s prehistoric heritage. Fossils from this site are internationally known for their exceptional variety and scientific value, and this block is a carefully chosen example showing substantial reptilian material. The photographs provided show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for size reference.

Geological Age and Provenance

The fossil dates to the Upper Triassic, approximately 208–201 million years ago, a crucial time just before the Triassic–Jurassic boundary. The Westbury Formation, where this block was found, is part of the Penarth Group and is famous for its rich assemblage of vertebrate fossils. Aust Cliff is regarded as one of Europe’s most important Late Triassic fossil sites, producing bones, teeth, and coprolites from a wide range of prehistoric animals. These deposits have been studied for more than a century, making specimens from this locality both scientifically significant and highly collectible.

Reptile Bones and Their Importance

The block contains large reptile bone fragments, which may represent remains of the marine reptiles that inhabited the coastal waters and lagoons of the Triassic seas. Fossil material from Aust Cliff includes ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and other large reptiles, as well as occasional terrestrial forms washed into the deposit. The size and preservation of these bone fragments reflect the remains of higher vertebrates, offering a rare opportunity to study the anatomy and survival of large reptiles that thrived in the Late Triassic. Their presence alongside fish and coprolites in the same beds demonstrates the diversity of the ecosystem.

Depositional Environment and Preservation

The Westbury Formation records a shallow marine to lagoonal environment with periodic low-oxygen conditions that favoured fossil preservation. Vertebrate remains accumulated in these settings during times of storm activity and environmental change. The famous fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff is especially important because it preserves material from multiple species together, offering an exceptional view into a complete food web from the Upper Triassic. Large reptile bones such as these show how apex predators and marine reptiles were a dominant part of the ecosystem before the great extinction event that reshaped life at the Triassic–Jurassic boundary.

Discovery and Preparation

This fossil was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on the 7th of April 2025 during a field expedition to Aust Cliff. After collection, the specimen was meticulously cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to ensure its stability and to enhance the visibility of the bone structures. The preparation has preserved the natural textures and features of the reptile bones, making them suitable for both display and scientific observation.

Authenticity and Collectability

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Large reptile bone blocks from Aust Cliff are rare and highly desirable due to their association with one of the most famous Upper Triassic fossil beds in the world. This specimen represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire vertebrate material from a key moment in Earth’s history, when reptilian life flourished in Britain’s Triassic seas. It is an ideal piece for serious collectors, educational use, or museum-quality display, providing a direct connection to life that thrived over 200 million years ago.