Fossil Code encourages safe access to quarries
QPA Scotland has welcomed the launch of Scottish Natural Heritage’s Fossil Code, which provides advice on best practice in the collection, identification, conservation and storage of fossil specimens found in Scotland. The Code also aims to enhance public interest in the fossil heritage of Scotland and promote this resource for scientific, educational and recreational purposes.
The Code was drafted with the assistance of a number of specialist groups, including fossil collectors, palaeontologists, land owners and quarry operators, on behalf of whom QPA Scotland fed into the document.
The QPA was particularly keen to stress the importance of safe and organized access to sites with a potential fossil interest, and the Association’s recommendations, which play a key part of the final Code, are designed to ensure that strict safety procedures are followed.
Commenting on the document, QPA Scotland’s director, John Sheridan, said: ‘It’s the first of its kind for Scotland and our involvement was a chance to both underline the opportunities that quarrying provides for fossil hunters, while stressing how important it is to ensure safe and organized access.
‘Quarries provide some of the richest access to the country’s geodiversity and are behind some significant discoveries in recent years. The final Code is a very practical guide and will prove to be of interest to many working in our industry, as well as those outside the sector.’
The Code was drafted with the assistance of a number of specialist groups, including fossil collectors, palaeontologists, land owners and quarry operators, on behalf of whom QPA Scotland fed into the document.
The QPA was particularly keen to stress the importance of safe and organized access to sites with a potential fossil interest, and the Association’s recommendations, which play a key part of the final Code, are designed to ensure that strict safety procedures are followed.
Commenting on the document, QPA Scotland’s director, John Sheridan, said: ‘It’s the first of its kind for Scotland and our involvement was a chance to both underline the opportunities that quarrying provides for fossil hunters, while stressing how important it is to ensure safe and organized access.
‘Quarries provide some of the richest access to the country’s geodiversity and are behind some significant discoveries in recent years. The final Code is a very practical guide and will prove to be of interest to many working in our industry, as well as those outside the sector.’
