Description

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Welcome to DinoSoc!

We are a student-led society focused on palaeontology, fossils, and everything prehistoric. Whether you are an academic palaeontologist, a seasoned fossil hunter, or just looking for a new outdoor hobby, we are open to everyone. We aim to inspire and support all who wish to engage in palaeontology, especially in Bristol. We had a fantastic range of events last year and will be doing even more in the 2025/26 academic year. From fossil hunts to socials, academic talks to film screenings, workshops to museum visits: DinoSoc will have something for everyone this year! More details below.

 

                                                   

(Here’s a pic of some of us ready to hunt for some fossils at Penarth)

 

== Fossil Hunting Trips ==

The main activity we offer is fossil hunting trips, and so we will bring you to several productive fossil sites throughout the UK. Whether you have been fossil hunting for years or have never held a hammer before in your life, we can guarantee that you'll come home with real fossils. Most are millions of years old. Remember, every fossil you find on our trips is yours to keep and show off! We aim to conduct one to two fossil hunting trips per month, although this schedule is subject to weather conditions and driver availability. We will also provide detailed information before each hunt on the types of fossils that can be found at the site, their age, and the best techniques for locating them. Most field equipment will be provided, including hammers, chisels, and PPE such as hard hats and goggles. Any equipment you would need to bring will be mentioned clearly beforehand, with help available if the equipment can’t be easily obtained. Fossil hunting is a really fun and very rewarding activity, and even if you're not that interested in the fossils themselves, it is still a great excuse to spend some time in beautiful outdoor areas with friends, whacking rocks with hammers. Last year, we achieved brilliant success at sites such as Breakheart Quarry, Penarth, Writhlington, Blue Anchor, and Gilwern Quarry. We'll be returning to some of those productive sites this year, but we'll also try to bring you some new ones, so stay tuned! Here’s a video from last year’s president talking about the finds at Gilwern Quarry.

                                           

(Some of us fossil hunting in Dorset and Jasper, a member of last year’s committee, with a fish jaw)

 

== Socials ==

We will, of course, also be organising lots of great social events, such as regular pub nights, BBQs, pub quizzes, bowling, and movie nights. These are perfect opportunities to meet other DinoSoc members and make new friends from different years and departments from you. Some of these socials will be held in collaboration with other student societies at Bristol, such as BUGGS, BirdSoc, and more, meaning they will also be great opportunities to meet new people and potentially discover new interests! We are also interested in holding more accessible & inclusive events this year, including alcohol-free socials and more artsy socials for those less suited to the field.

 

                                         

(Some pictures from our bowling and arts events)

 

== Residential ==

Our most exciting events over the last years were weekend-long residential trips. In 2024, we visited the world-famous Jurassic Coast of Dorset. Here, members stayed in a beautiful country mansion and spent the day fossil hunting at sites, such as Charmouth Beach, and exploring shops, museums, and even a fossil-themed microbrewery in the town of Lyme Regis. The evenings were spent relaxing in our very own mansion, socialising, and comparing fossil finds. Last academic year, we went across the water to the Isle of Wight, staying in a large youth hostel only 10 minutes from the beach. During the day, extensive fossil hunting took place at sites such as Bouldnor and Colwell Bay. We also visited the fantastic local museum and zoo. Some say it was the best fossil hunting trip to date. Either way, a residential is possible again this year, and we hope to return Dorset or the Isle of Wight.

 

                                            

(Our Dorset residential, the mansion we stayed in with Max, an ex-president, and some fossil hunting)

 

== Academic Events ==

We also have some very interesting 'academic' socials planned this year! These include museum visits (including backstage tours of the collections), lectures by renowned paleontologists in the university and beyond (some notable names from the last couple of years include vertebrate paleontologist Mike Benton and TV presenter Nigel Marven). These events are a great way to learn more about paleontology and talk directly to people working in the field. Even if you’re not an academic, these talks will provide a good level of knowledge accessible to all.

 

 

(Talks from both Nigel Marven and Mike Benton)

 

== Workshops ==

This year, we are planning to host workshops to help our members hone their skills as paleontologists. These will hopefully include paleoart workshops, where we will learn how to best capture some beautiful fossils and reconstruct the lives they once lived in art. As well as fossil preparation workshops, where we will learn to prepare collected fossils for study and display. Some others may include an introduction to microvertebrate paleontology and an IDing and cataloguing crash course, and many others. To make sure you don't miss out on these great events, go get yourself a DinoSoc 2025/26 membership on the Bristol SU website for only £8.50! We promise you won't regret it!

 

 

(Pics from our fossil drawing session with Artsoc)

 

== SAPS ==

We are proud to announce that SAPS (The Student Association of Palaeontological Societies) was formed last year, being a union of student-run university palaeontological societies across the UK. With an annual conference being hosted by members, celebrating and acknowledging student-led research. Members include palaeontological societies from Bristol, Edinburgh, Portsmouth, and many more. Last year’s conference was great and hosted by Edinburgh, and this year we hope to host it, fingers crossed.

 

                                               

(A group of us from SAPS together)

 

== Other Announcements ==

DRIVERS - We are always in need of drivers, as this is our main method of transport to sites. If you can drive or know someone who can, not only is the trip free, but you will be paid, on top of fuel money. Being paid to hunt for fossils, it’s a no brainer! Get in contact with us now.

Last but not least, let’s give a warm welcome to Dromeo, our new mascot. Dromeo will appear in most posts on our socials as a friendly face, typically up to no good, so keep an eye out.

                                         

(Dromeo posing dramatically for the camera)

 

As you can see, we are very ambitious for this coming year, with many returning classic events that everyone loved, as well as many new events based on feedback. With that being said, none of this could be possible without your support, so we thank everyone for being a part of our DinoSoc community. Join now!

For any further information or just a chat, email us at dinosoc.uob@gmail.com.

~The DinoSoc committee