Description
Authentic British Carboniferous Fossil Ferns
This listing is for a genuine Fossil Fern Plant specimen from the Coal Measures of the Carboniferous period, collected in Radstock, Somerset, UK. Every fossil we sell is 100% authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Context:
The Coal Measures are the coal-bearing deposits of the Upper Carboniferous System, formed around 310–300 million years ago. In the UK, the Coal Measures Group includes the Upper, Middle, and Lower Coal Measures Formations. These layers were deposited in vast swampy forests that dominated the landscape during the Carboniferous, giving rise to the coal seams that powered Britain’s industrial revolution millions of years later.
During this time, the Earth’s atmosphere contained high levels of oxygen, creating an environment where giant insects, amphibians, and dense forests flourished. Plant life was dominated by ferns, seed ferns, horsetails, lycopods, and early conifers, many of which left exquisite impressions in the shale and sandstone beds that are now uncovered as fossils.
About Fossil Ferns:
Fossil fern specimens, such as those from Radstock, offer a glimpse into the lush ecosystems of the Carboniferous coal forests. Ferns were some of the most abundant plants of the time, their fronds leaving delicate and detailed impressions in the mudstones and shales.
- Represent ancient tropical forests that once covered Britain.
- Provide evidence of the origin of today’s coal deposits.
- Beautifully detailed preservation of fronds and leaflets.
- Highly collectable fossils for both amateurs and professionals.
Specimen Details:
- Type: Fossil Fern Plants
- Age: Carboniferous (Coal Measures, ~310–300 million years old)
- Location: Radstock, Somerset, UK
- Scale cube: 1 cm (see photo for sizing)
Please Note:
- Some fossils may be propped up for photography purposes.
- The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive.
- Colours may vary depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
- Measurements are as accurate as possible, though irregular fossil shapes may make precise sizing difficult.
- Once sold, this listing will be updated with a new specimen and fresh photographs.
This fossil has been carefully hand-selected and photographed, making it a superb addition for collectors, educators, or anyone interested in the rich prehistoric flora of Britain.






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