An ancient relic dating back approximately 140 million years has emerged within a nature reserve, believed to be the imprint left by a dinosaur during that era.
This remarkable find was spotted by a vigilant National Trust ranger on duty at Brownsea Island, nestled within the scenic enclave of Poole Harbour in Dorset. The distinctive print bears resemblance to the signature three-toed mark characteristic of an Iguanodon, according to experts examining the discovery.
Image Source: BBC
The serendipitous moment occurred while Ranger Sophie Giles was out for a brisk run across the sprawling grounds surrounding Brownsea Castle. The National Trust expressed eagerness to delve deeper into understanding the specifics of this fossilized footprint, seeking further scientific investigation to authenticate its origin.
Sharing the thrill of this discovery on social media, the National Trust enthused, "The rock housing this fascinating find is believed to have originated from the Isle of Purbeck, renowned for its multitude of dinosaur footprints visible at Langton Matravers."
Image Source: BBC
Dr Martin Munt, an authority on prehistoric relics and curator at the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown, Isle of Wight, remarked on the striking similarity between this hind foot imprint and those discovered in the Purbeck region. He elaborated, "This tridactyl footprint, akin to those found in Purbeck, likely originates from the same era and could be attributed to an iguanodontian or a closely related dinosaur."
Image Source: BBC
Brownsea Island, an integral part of the Purbeck National Nature Reserve, is currently closed to day visitors during the winter season until March 16.
This recent finding on Brownsea Island follows closely on the heels of another significant discovery: a collection of remarkably well-preserved dinosaur footprints uncovered along the shores of Yaverland, situated on the Isle of Wight. These prints, unearthed by engineers surveying sea defence plans for the coastal area, add to the growing list of noteworthy paleontological findings in the region.
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