Travel back 560 million years
Fossils of the First Animals Itinerary
Schoolchildren Changing Science
Discovering Charnia
Start your day at the Outwoods and discover the almost unbelievable story of how two children changed the world’s view of how life evolved on our planet.
A short walk from the Outwoods Car Park, you will find our Discovering Charnia Geosite, featuring:
- Interpretation panels on the discovery of Charnia, and the amazing scientific research on this fossil
- A cast replica of this astonishing 560 million year old fossil, for you to touch and photograph
- A chainsaw-carved sculpture of what Charnia might have looked like when alive – just made a little larger than it would have been!
Parking is available at the Outwoods Car Park. Parking charges apply.
Sir David's Fossil
Amazing Auroralumina
From Outwoods, you have two options: take the short walk south through the woods and then along the footpath next to Breakback Road, or drive to the Lower Beacon Hill Car Park.
At the car park, walk towards and then past the cafe, from where you should be able to see the sculpture that sits proudly atop this geosite.
Unearth the story of one of Charnwood Forest’s most recent palaeontological discoveries, named after Leicestershire legend Sir David Attenborough.
Parking is available at the nearby Lower Beacon Hill Car Park.
Ancient Animals
Beautiful Bradgatia
From Beacon Hill, proceed to Bradgate Park. For those driving, we recommend using the Hallgates Car Park – it’s usually less busy than Newtown Linford. Car park charges apply.
After arriving at Bradgate Park, head towards the Deer Barn, where you will find our Beautiful Bradgate Geosite, topped with a glorious wooden sculpture of this fossil. At the Deer Barn you can also find a visitor centre, toilets, and a cafe.
As well as the sculpture, you’ll find interpretation panels detailing the discovery of Bradgatia, how we know this fossil is an animal, and also a replica of the fossil itself for you to touch and photograph.
Visit Billa Barra
Charming Charniodiscus
From Bradgate Park, head west to Billa Barra Nature Reserve, near the village of Stanton-under-Bardon.
Free parking is available in a small car park, located on Billa Barra Lane, LE67 9PU.
Take the main footpath out of the car park, past the Geopark Information Hub. Head through the kissing-gate into the meadow, and follow the informal path uphill. You will soon spot an entrance-gap in the fence that circles the woodland atop the summit. Continue following the path through the woodland and you’ll soon see the peaceful setting for our Charming Charniodiscus Geosite.
Discover the story behind this intriguing fossil that was found at the same time as Charnia, but was initially misunderstood. This geosite features another of the amazing fossil sculptures created by local artist Peter Leadbeater.
Coming Soon...
Hylaecullulus
Come back soon to find out where you can discover the story of our fossil Hylaecullulus.