What is Dinosaur Expeditions C.I.C.?

Dinosaur Expeditions C.I.C. is a Community Interest Company created in 2013 by local fossil enthusiasts to establish a field centre where members of the local community and visitors to the Isle of Wight can learn more about our unique fossil heritage and locally produced palaeoart. 

Fossils are a rare finite natural resource, that is gradually dwindling as coastal erosion continues to expose fossil-bearing layers. Left uncollected, scientifically important fossils are destroyed by the sea. Every year we lose precious specimens to the elements, which could have been recovered, conserved and made available for public display and academic research.

By working closely with members of the public, local fossil hunters, landowners, museums and universities; we can help to encourage and promote responsible fossil discovery and conservation. We want to ensure the Isle of Wight's unique fossil heritage isn't lost for future generations.

As a Community Interest Company we want to educate and train the local community and visitors to empower them to discover fossils responsibly and conserve them for the future.

We promote responsible fossil discovery, conservation, research and understanding by educating the local community and visitors to the Island of the need to sustainably manage this unique finite natural resource and encourage the retention of scientifically improtant specimens discovered locally.

We also support the understanding and interpretation of fossils, the palaeo-environment and modern landscape through Palaeoart.

To do this we have set-up the 'Dinosaur Expeditions, Conservation and Palaeoart Centre'. Established at the site of the Dinosaur Farm Museum by former staff, the centre houses displays of fossils, palaeoart, childrens' activities and a fossil and mineral giftshop.

We organise fossil hunting trips throughout the year at a variety of locations on the Isle of Wight, led by our experienced professional guides.

Dinosaur Expeditions CIC pools the local knowledge, talents and experience of our Fossil Hunt leaders. This helps to ensure that we can provide a professional quality experience for all our customers.

In addition we also have a team of supporters, volunteers and fossil enthusiasts who have set-up a Charity, 'The Friends of the Dinosaur Expeditions Centre'. The Friends provide operational support to the centre in the form of volunteers, fundraising and are responsible for both the fossil and the palaeoart collections, by providing a guarantee they will be held in trust for the benefit of the community into the future.