
Footprints from the past: the nature and value of the UK’s dinosaur track record – Kirsty Edgar
February 20 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Dinosaurs were a hugely successful group of vertebrates with a wide array of morphologies and ecologies that dominated terrestrial ecosystems globally during much of the Mesozoic (~228-66 million years ago). Dinosaur tracks (footprints) are a key means of determining the palaeoecology and distribution of dinosaurs through time and highly complementary to the skeletal record. There is a long history of dinosaur tracks being reported and studied in the UK, from the mid-19th century to the present day, reflecting the excellent exposure of Mesozoic rocks through many parts of the UK and a long history of public and scientific interest in fossils.
Dinosaur tracks are also amongst the most popular and recognisable trace fossils encountered in the natural world by the public and are a major draw to some areas of England, Scotland and Wales. Thus, beyond their scientific value, they provide key aesthetic and pedagogic opportunities in the tourism and education sectors. However, the protection, monitoring, communication, and our scientific knowledge of the sites varies considerably.
This talk will review the UK dinosaur track record including recent new discoveries in Oxfordshire, assess the scientific and cultural value of existing in-situ dinosaur track sites in the UK, and identify threats and opportunities at UK sites where future conservation and public engagement actions should be focused.

About the speaker
Kirsty is a Professor of Micropalaeontology in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, UK. The bulk of her research focusses on the timing, nature and interaction between global climate, biogeochemical cycling and marine life in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. However, more recently, she has also become involved with how to record, communicate and protect the UK’s palaeontological heritage with an initial focus on the UK’s dinosaur record.

Register in advance to attend virtually:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtcO2ppjIpGN0kXNpSU19CxxNc5cAH6L8u
Venue:
St Francis Of Assisi RC Church, 110 Warwick Rd, Kenilworth CV8 1HL
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9CGWRNdgFfttDKtd7