Island Gems’s most popular fossil guides have reunited to celebrate 40 years of leading organised fossil trips across the Isle of Wight.
Martin Simpson – known locally as ‘the fossil man’ – first established the business in 1984, originally operating from Arreton Craft Centre before later moving to the Fossil Shop at Blackgang Chine. Today, the business continues under the banner of Island Gems Fossil Trips, run by Jenny Hawthorn from the Fossil & Gem shop in Godshill.
The 2-hour guided walks operate a ‘keep what you find’ policy, with many discoveries either taken home by participants or donated to museums for ongoing study.
Martin explained:
“We always come back with something on our trips. It’s a mixture of entertainment and education – a guided hunt rather than just a lecture on the beach.
Recently a superb Palaeolithic hand axe was found by Mrs Mel Harrison at Brook Bay during one of our trips.”
Jenny added that the success of the tours is down to the people behind them.
Jenny said:
“Over the years many guides have been trained up to lead our tours, We now have a small, dedicated group of guides who are all qualified in earth sciences.”
In 40 years, the trips have uncovered countless fascinating finds including dinosaur teeth and bones, footprints, mammoth remains, ammonites, amber and fossilised plants. The business has also featured on TV shows including Blue Peter, Jewel of the South and Antiques Road Trip, and has won multiple awards – many voted for by the public.
The appeal has stretched far and wide, with well-known names such as Chris Packham, Michael Palin, Freddie Flintoff, Aled Jones, Catherine Southon and Susan Calman taking part over the years.
Martin reflected on the milestone, saying:
“Not surprisingly, having operated for forty years, we have done more tourist trips than anyone in the UK, if not worldwide. Geotourism is now a significant part of the Island’s attraction.
“It’s not every coastal tourist destination that can boast dinosaur footprints and petrified trees on its beaches.”
