Sauropod Dinosaur Footprints

Download the Publication here

Chris Reedman and Sam Scriven from the Jurassic Coast Trust have recently co-authored a journal publication about the dinsoaur footprints at the Spyway dinosaur footprints in Dorset. 

Evidence of dinosaurs in the UK mainland is rare. Where we do find evidence, it is often in the form of footprints, yet these too, are decidedly rare to come across. 

The site of Spyway dinsoaur footprints (previously known as 'Keates Quarry footprints") is the largest insitu dinosaur track site currently accessible within the Purbeck Limestone Group. Little is known about the prehistoric creatures that made these lasting impressions in the rocks. In this latest publication, a description of the sauropod dinosaur track site at the Spyway Quarry is given. 

The paper brings the footprints to life through a series of photogrammetric models and height maps, capturing the key characteristics of each footprint. 

Although the preservation of the footprints is relatively poor, careful analysis suggests that it is likely that the 130+ inidividual tracks from large sauropod dinsoaurs represent multiple individuals. This provide further evidence for sauropods living in or passing through coastal lagoonal environments here on what is now 'The Jurassic Coast'. 

Read the full paper here. 

The Jurassic Coast Trust regularly run guided walks to the Spyway dinosaur footprints, find out more here.