Researchers from the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham have made an exciting discovery at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, unearthing hundreds of dinosaur footprints. This find significantly extends the “dinosaur highway” from the Middle Jurassic Period, about 166 million years ago, revealing trackways that were previously unknown.
The excavation revealed multiple trackways, with some stretching over 150 meters. Among the footprints were those of the 9-meter-long predator Megalosaurus, along with large herbivorous sauropods, likely Cetiosaurus, which could grow up to 18 meters in length. The discovery came when quarry worker Gary Johnson noticed unusual bumps in the quarry floor, prompting further investigation.
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A team of over 100 researchers conducted a week-long excavation in June 2024, unearthing around 200 footprints. Using modern technologies like drone photography, they created detailed 3D models of the site, providing a deeper understanding of dinosaur movement and their environment.
The findings build upon previous research from 1997, which revealed over 40 sets of footprints. This newly discovered site, now a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, offers invaluable insights into prehistoric life. The findings will be showcased on BBC’s Digging for Britain on January 8, 2025, and in the Breaking Ground exhibition at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
