By Felicia Dean
The Anthropology Society and Dr. Skinner ventured to Isle of Sheppey, Warden Point, to hunt for 50 million year old fossils!
On Saturday the 10th of October Professor of Biological Anthropology, Dr Matthew Skinner, guided students and faculty in the art of Fossil hunting at Warden Point. Warden is a small village on the north-eastern coast of the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. Immediately northwest of the village and continuing towards the west is Warden Point, a pinnacle of eroding land and muddy foreshore. Warden Point has provided one of the most productive areas for the study and collection of fossils from the London Clay. Among the finds include largely complete crustaceans, nautili, shark teeth and vertebrae, snake skeletons, bird skulls and a variety of land sourced fruits and seeds, and much more [http://www.discoveringfossils.co.uk/warden-point-isle-of-sheppey/].
Although under the government regulations everyone has been limited to creating the traditional experience for students and society members, it was fantastic to be able to still provide a glimpse at the fascinating opportunities that arise at the School of Anthropology and Conservation as well as within the Anthropology Society! Joined by a mixture of Undergrad, Postgrad and Lecturers the morning was a treat of various interests and skill! The morning of exploration resulted in some very exciting finds; including fossilised shark teeth, shells, and branches!
Very few things can deter an Anthropologist from a day of fossil finding; not even the ankle-deep mud was able to stop the fun!
Dr Matthew Skinner (pictured above) has been an invaluable and inspiring guiding influence for the Anthropology Society as well as the School and multitudes of students; it is with his support and interest in growing a community of anthropology enthusiasts, that we have continued to progress. I feel that we can speak for many when we say, thank you Dr Skinner for your passion and guidance, it has assisted in making many of our time here at the School of Anthropology and Conservation a most memorable one.
Activities like these are just a small glimpse at the possibilities that being an Anthropology student at the School of Anthropology and Conservation can provide!