Upper Millichope - What Tools and Equipment do you need for Fossil Collecting in Shropshire?

"Whilst any good ironmonger can supply cold chisels and strong knives or trowels, he is very unlikely to have safe and suitable hammers in stock. The steel of ordinary domestic and many trade hammers is far too soft for use on most rocks. It will splinter and flying fragments of steel can cause nasty wounds, particularly to the eyes, not only of the hammerer but also of his companions."
Fossils in Colour - 1967 - J.F. Kirkaldy, D.Sc. Formally Head of the Department of Geology, Queen Mary College London.

Please DO NOT hammer the bank next to the road. Take a hammer to split any rocks in the stream and a trowel to search in the mudstones. However most fossils have been washed out of the beds and can be picked up often in perfect condition. A hammer and trowel should only be used if you actually see something in the rock or bedding. Fossils tend to be hard from this location so they can be put into bags, it is ideal to keep a small bag to put brachiopods all together in since you will probably find a large number of these.

Chisel Picks: These chisel picks are ideal. Geological hammers are also suitable.

Knives: Ideal for picking any finds out.

Specimen Bags: These are ideal for collecting from Upper Millichope. Sealable Clear Specimen Bags can hold your finds. These can be purchased from UKGE for low prices and can easily be re-used.

Geological Bags: Strong, Waterproof and durable geological bags that last years are ideal for any keen fossil hunter. These quality bags from Estwing are ideal for bringing back those larger finds or sample bags.

Footwear: Wellington Boots are recommended as this location is along a stream