Large Fossil Coprolite Block Aust Cliff Westbury Formation Upper Triassic Penarth Group Bristol UK

Description

Authentic Large Fossil Coprolite from Aust Cliff

This is a genuine large fossil coprolite preserved in a block from the world-famous fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. Coprolites, or fossilised droppings, are a rare type of trace fossil that provide direct evidence of the diets and behaviours of ancient animals. This impressive specimen comes from the Upper Triassic Westbury Formation of the Penarth Group, a globally renowned deposit that has yielded some of the most scientifically important vertebrate fossils in Europe. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate size reference.

Geological Age and Provenance

The fossil dates to the Upper Triassic period, approximately 208–201 million years ago. The Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group, was deposited in shallow marine to lagoonal environments and is particularly celebrated for its vertebrate fossil assemblages. Aust Cliff, a classic locality on the Severn Estuary, has been studied since the 19th century and remains one of the most important sites for understanding life in the Late Triassic. The fish, reptile, and coprolite bed is especially famous for preserving a dense concentration of fossils that record the ecosystems just before the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction event.

Coprolites and Their Significance

Coprolites are unique fossils because they record the feeding activity of ancient animals. This large specimen may have originated from a marine reptile or large fish inhabiting the Triassic seas. The coprolite’s form and texture show evidence of its biological origin, and such fossils occasionally preserve inclusions like fish scales, bones, or shell fragments. By studying coprolites, palaeontologists can learn about the diets, digestive processes, and ecological roles of animals that otherwise might be known only from skeletal remains. This makes them scientifically invaluable as well as fascinating display pieces.

Depositional Environment and Preservation

The Westbury Formation represents a shallow marine to lagoonal setting where vertebrate remains accumulated in fine-grained sediments. Rapid burial during storm events, coupled with low-oxygen conditions on the seabed, ensured that organic material such as coprolites, fish remains, and reptile bones could fossilise. The preservation of a large coprolite within this block demonstrates the exceptional conditions of Aust Cliff, which allowed not only skeletal elements but also trace fossils to survive for over 200 million years. This environment offers a rare and detailed picture of Late Triassic ecosystems.

Discovery and Preparation

This specimen was discovered on the 7th of April 2025 by our own field team members, Alister and Alison, at Aust Cliff. Following collection, the block was carefully cleaned, stabilised, and treated by Alison to ensure durability and to enhance the visibility of the fossil. The preparation has preserved the natural form of the coprolite without artificial alteration, ensuring it remains scientifically accurate and fully authentic.

Authenticity and Collectability

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. Large coprolites from Aust Cliff are highly collectible due to their rarity, provenance, and scientific significance. This specimen is an excellent addition to any fossil collection, educational resource, or museum display. With its impressive size and direct link to the feeding behaviour of Triassic vertebrates, this coprolite block offers a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of natural history from one of Britain’s most important fossil localities.