Discovering Ancient Footprints in Oxfordshire

Unveiling the Jurassic Highway in Oxfordshire

In a remarkable discovery at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, over 200 well-preserved dinosaur footprints have been unearthed, offering a vivid glimpse into the life of the Middle Jurassic period. The site reveals a variety of tracks from both herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs, including the giant, long-necked Cetiosaurus and the fearsome Megalosaurus. Notably, the excavation uncovered a continuous trackway stretching over 150 meters, providing exceptional insights into the movement and environment of these ancient creatures. This discovery builds on past findings from 1997, when more than 40 dinosaur footprints were identified in the region, solidifying its status as a site of significant scientific importance. The latest excavation involved a dedicated team of over 100 experts and volunteers who meticulously documented the find using 20,000 drone-captured images to create detailed 3D models. The new evidence suggests potential interactions between the herbivores and carnivores, sparking questions about their coexistence in the lush, tropical landscape that existed 166 million years ago. The site has been dubbed a 'dinosaur highway,' owing to the vast array of tracks that depict a bustling ecosystem. This major discovery will be featured in the 'Breaking Ground' exhibition at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, highlighting the significance of this prehistoric find. The exhibition aims to engage the public, offering a window into the lives of the dinosaurs that once roamed the area and enriching our understanding of Earth's distant past.