Description
Rare Fossil Reptile Bone, Fish and Coprolite Block from Aust Cliff, Bristol, UK
This remarkable fossil block containing reptile bone, fish remains, and coprolites (fossilised droppings) was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on 2 October 2025, at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, United Kingdom. Expertly cleaned, prepared, and treated by Alison, this specimen captures a fascinating glimpse into life during the Upper Triassic Period (Rhaetian Stage, approximately 208–201 million years ago). Found in the Westbury Formation of the Penarth Group, it represents a rare and scientifically significant piece showcasing multiple fossil types preserved together in a single slab.
Geological and Depositional Context
The Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group, was deposited during the closing stages of the Triassic Period, just before the dawn of the Jurassic. These sediments were laid down in a shallow, nearshore marine environment, where rivers carried organic material from the surrounding land into a coastal lagoonal sea. Periodic fluctuations in sea level and salinity created ideal conditions for the preservation of vertebrate remains, forming fossil-rich layers of dark shales, mudstones, and limestones.
Aust Cliff, located along the Severn Estuary in Bristol, is one of Britain’s most famous Triassic fossil localities. Its striking red and grey cliffs record the dramatic environmental changes that occurred as ancient deserts gave way to new marine habitats. The Westbury Formation, situated near the top of the cliffs, is particularly noted for its concentration of vertebrate fossils — including fish scales, bone fragments, reptile remains, and abundant coprolites. This deposit provides vital evidence for ecosystems that existed just before the great Triassic–Jurassic extinction event, one of the most significant turnovers in Earth’s biological history.
Fossil Composition and Features
This multi-fossil block contains a mixture of reptile bone fragments, fish material, and coprolites, all preserved within a fine-grained matrix characteristic of the Westbury Formation. The reptile remains may represent early marine reptiles or semi-aquatic species that lived along the shores of the Triassic seas. The fish fossils likely belonged to primitive bony fish and early sharks, both of which were common in these coastal waters. The presence of coprolites, or fossilised excrement, adds an additional layer of interest, providing clues about diet, feeding behaviour, and the food web of the time.
The combination of these fossils in a single piece makes this block particularly valuable, as it encapsulates a miniature snapshot of the Upper Triassic marine ecosystem. The interplay between bone, scale, and coprolite material offers insight into predator-prey relationships and the biological diversity of this transitional period in Earth’s history.
Scientific and Historical Importance
The fossils of Aust Cliff have been studied by geologists and palaeontologists for more than 200 years. The site played a significant role in the development of early vertebrate paleontology in Britain, with discoveries dating back to the 19th century. The Westbury Formation is especially important for its vertebrate remains, which help to document the faunal turnover leading into the Jurassic.
Reptile and fish fossils from this locality reveal the resilience and adaptability of life in the aftermath of earlier extinction events, while the associated coprolites provide rare insight into the feeding patterns of Triassic predators. Collectors and researchers value these specimens for their educational and scientific importance, as well as their striking visual appeal.
Condition, Provenance, and Authenticity
This is a 100% genuine fossil specimen, professionally collected and prepared to reveal its intricate detail while preserving its natural integrity. The fossil-bearing surface has been carefully stabilised by Alison to ensure longevity and clarity. The matrix clearly displays identifiable material from multiple organisms, offering a dynamic and educational display piece.
The photograph shows the exact specimen you will receive, ensuring transparency and authenticity. Each fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its geological formation, age, and provenance.
Details at a Glance
- Fossil Type: Reptile bone, fish remains, and coprolite block
- Formation: Westbury Formation
- Group: Penarth Group
- Age: Rhaetian Stage, Upper Triassic (~208–201 million years ago)
- Depositional Environment: Shallow marine lagoonal setting
- Locality: Aust Cliff, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Discovered by: Alister and Alison on 02 October 2025
- Prepared by: Alison
- Condition: Genuine, carefully cleaned and stabilised specimen
- Scale: Cube = 1 cm (see photo for full sizing)
- Included: Certificate of Authenticity
A Rare Window into Britain’s Upper Triassic Ecosystem
This fossil reptile bone, fish, and coprolite block from Aust Cliff is a superb representation of the life that thrived in Britain’s ancient Triassic seas. Rich in scientific significance and natural beauty, it stands as a unique collector’s piece that captures the closing chapter of the Triassic world — a genuine relic from the dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs.
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