Description
Offered here is a 100% genuine British fossil fern plant, preserved in fine detail from the Carboniferous period, approximately 300 to 320 million years ago. This beautiful specimen was discovered in Radstock, Somerset, a classic UK locality known for its fossil-rich geological layers of the Coal Measures Group.
The Coal Measures are a key component of the Upper Carboniferous System in the United Kingdom and consist of:
- Lower Coal Measures Formation
- Middle Coal Measures Formation
- Upper Coal Measures Formation
During the Carboniferous period, the region that is now the British Isles lay near the equator and was covered in dense, swampy rainforests, forming an incredibly biodiverse ecosystem. These tropical wetlands were dominated by large vascular plants including ferns, lycopods (clubmosses), seed ferns (pteridosperms), and horsetails, many of which grew to enormous sizes. The remains of this vast forest floor accumulated over millions of years, becoming compressed and fossilised to form the rich coal seams found today.
This specimen likely represents the foliage of a true fern or seed fern, featuring delicate leaf impressions preserved in shale or mudstone. Fossils from this environment offer extraordinary insight into Earth’s early plant evolution and climate.
Item Details:
- Type: British Fossil Fern Plant
- Age: Carboniferous Period (~300–320 million years ago)
- Stratigraphy: Coal Measures Group (Upper Carboniferous System)
- Formations: Lower, Middle, and Upper Coal Measures
- Location: Radstock, Somerset, UK
- Condition: Natural fossil impression
- Certificate of Authenticity: Included with purchase
- Scale Reference: Scale cube = 1cm. Please see photos for full sizing
- Actual Specimen: The image shows the exact fossil you will receive
Please Note: Some of our fossils may be gently propped up for photography. Colours may vary depending on lighting conditions and screen settings. Sizes are as accurate as possible but may vary slightly due to the natural irregular shape of fossils.
Once this fossil is sold, the listing will be updated with a new, similarly selected piece – always showing the real specimen on offer.
This authentic fossil is perfect for collectors, educators, students, and lovers of natural history. It makes a striking piece for study, display, or gifting – a true relic from the dawn of Earth’s lush plant life.
Genuine Prehistoric Plant Fossil – Professionally Handled – Securely Packaged with Certificate of Authenticity
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