"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.

TOOLS: A good eye and a pick is often all you need at Blackgang, but a hammer and chisel will come in most handy should you find any nodules. CONTAINERS: It is best to wrap fossils and place in bags, they are usually quite hard. Fossils found inside nodules can usually be placed directly onto a bag.

Chisel Picks: Ideal for splitting boulders which contain fossils.

Safety Wear: Goggles or Safety Glasses are absolutely essential at this location when using hammers and chisels, rock splinters can pierce the skin.

Picks: A pick may come in handy for this location.

Preparation Tools:A range of hand, and automatic tools for cleaning your fossils. We have air tools, grit blasters and etchers.

Specimen Bags: These are ideal for collecting from Blackgang Chine, expecially for taking back samples. Sealable Clear Specimen Bags can hold your finds. These can be purchased from UKGE for low prices and can easily be re-used.

Geo Field Ruler: This Geo Ruler is ideal for field use and for photographing specimens. The Rular is colour graduated in CM with 10cm Blocks, made of hard thick plastic and is waterproof.

Waterproof Notepads and Waterproof Pens: These field notepads and field pens work in the rain, they are perfect for taking notes. The pens work in any condition, including underwater! Taking notes about where fossils were found is an essential part of any collection.

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: Hiking Boots are recommended for Blackgang Chine.