"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: The rocks are very hard at Dancing Ledge, most fossils are found within the boulders on the floor of the quarry.

Crack Hammers: You will need good quality crack hammer and Chrome chisels. Heavy 4lb and higher hammers are recommended.

Chisel Picks: For the more 'weathered rocks' These chisel picks work well in loosing weathered layers. Geological hammers are also suitable.

Chisels: Standard cold chisels are suitable for Thorncombe Beacon. It is best to take a wide splitting chisel, a standard 1" and a smaller chisel for finer work. These will be fine for splitting the rocks.

Specimen Boxes: Keep your small finds safe in these clear, cost effective specimen boxes. Perfect to build your fossil collection.

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.

Hard Hats: The cliffs at Dancing Ledge are dangerous, especially since most collecting is done fairly near to the cliff face. It is highly recommended that you bring safety hats and keep away from the base of the cliff near recent falls.

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

Specimen Bags: These are ideal for Dancing Ledge. Sealable Clear Specimen Bags can hold your finds. These can be purchased from UKGE for low prices and can easily be re-used.

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 heavy finds back home.

Footwear: Hiking Boots are recommended fine for Dancing Ledge because the shore is very rocky.