Are you sitting down? The stunning revelation that colossal sea dragons, known as ichthyosaurs, are being unearthed in the heart of Leicestershire and Rutland has paleontologists buzzing! These ancient marine reptiles roamed the oceans during the Jurassic period, and now they’re turning up in places you’d least expect.

Ichthyosaur expert Dr. Dean Lomax, who has been studying these magnificent creatures, believes that the recent discoveries could transform the East Midlands into a surprising hotspot for paleontological wonders. While coastal areas like Yorkshire and Dorset have typically been the go-to locations for ichthyosaur fossils—thanks to erosion exposing their remains—recent finds are reshaping the narrative.

In 2021, a 10-meter-long ichthyosaur fossil—the largest ever found in the UK—was discovered, followed by another astonishing find: a fragment of ichthyosaur skull revealed during construction on the new Melton bypass road.

So, what does this mean? Dr. Lomax points out that millions of years ago, the East Midlands was submerged under a shallow sea teeming with life, with islands providing habitat for reptiles and other creatures. But why are the star finds happening inland rather than on the coasts?

It turns out that fossils found inland remain more intact. Coastal discoveries often suffer from erosion, resulting in fragmented and scattered bones. With the unique geology of the region linking the East Midlands to the better-known fossil-rich coastlines of England, it’s not surprising that valuable specimens are hiding just beneath our feet.

“While coastal finds often consist of partial skeletons, an inland discovery like the Rutland sea dragon has a greater chance of being complete,” Dr. Lomax explains, emphasizing the potential for further astonishing finds in the area.

And it’s not just recent finds that pique interest—there is a rich history of Jurassic discoveries in local quarries stretching back over 200 years. Recent specimens, including two ichthyosaurs and even a newly identified Bajocian pterosaur in Ketton, indicate that the region is a hidden treasure trove for those passionate about ancient life.

Dr. Lomax envisions a bright future for paleontological excavations in Leicestershire and Rutland, asserting, “There are countless specimens waiting to be discovered, possibly even dinosaurs hiding beneath city streets and country homes.”

So keep your eyes peeled, Leicestershire and Rutland residents! The land you walk on may soon reveal secrets of a long-lost world teeming with prehistoric giants. Who knows what more lurks just below the surface?

Stay tuned and follow local news updates for more thrilling discoveries that could change our understanding of prehistoric life right here in the heart of England!