Fossil Grove

Fossilised tree stumps in the Fossil Grove
The building protects the Fossil Grove where fossil tree stumps and branches are preserved at the site of an old quarry

The Fossil Grove is located within Victoria Park, Glasgow, Scotland. It was discovered in 1887 and contains the fossilised stumps of eleven extinct Lepidodendron trees, which are sometimes described as "giant club mosses" but they may be more closely related to quillworts. The Fossil Grove is managed as a museum and has been a popular tourist attraction since it opened for public viewing.

The site, Glasgow's most ancient visitor attraction and the remnants of an extensive ancient forest, is viewed from within a building constructed to protect the fossils from the elements. [1]

Natural heritage

The site displays a cluster of eleven petrified tree-like stumps in their growth position, excavated from layers of sandstone and shale, which formed 325 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. Fossil Grove is a site of special scientific interest of international importance for the study of Carboniferous plant fossils.

See also


References

  1. ↑ Glasgow Museums

External links

Scottish Natural Heritage provides more information about the origin of these fossils in its site management statement. (pdf)

Coordinates: 55°52′36.24″N 4°20′17.58″W / 55.8767333°N 4.3382167°W / 55.8767333; -4.3382167

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