WEST Dorset has been named as the best spot in the south west for fossil hunting.

The west Dorset coastline has secured three out of the five top spots in the south west for the hobby, with Seatown, Charmouth, and Lyme Regis cited as the best locations west of the county and Durlston Bay cited as the best further east along the coast.

The survey, which was carried out by South Western Railway, analysed factors such as fossil find frequency, (based on fossil abundance, rock type, and recorded finds), local weather conditions, and accessibility.

READ: Jurassic Coast fossil hunting top 10 activity for UK holidays

Second only to Barton-on-Sea in Hampshire as the best spot in the south west for fossil hunting is Charmouth, with the rail firm calling it 'a must-visit destination with plenty of fossils littered across the beaches, you can be sure to spot ammonites, belemnites and fish fossils'. 

In third place was Seatown, a 'must-visit destination', offering another fantastic fossil-hunting location along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

The rail firm says: "Known for its golden cliffs and panoramic views, it’s a peaceful spot, and is less crowded than neighbouring beaches, making it ideal for a relaxed day of fossil hunting with a chance to discover something truly remarkable.

"Durlston Bay and the seaside town of Lyme Regis round off the top five, and both remain favourites for serious fossil enthusiasts and families looking for an exciting day out in the south west."

Unfortunately the top 10 destinations in the UK for fossil hunting don't include any south west location, with the nearest top 10 site for the hobby being Barton-on-Sea in Hampshire, which came in sixth nationally. 

The top place in the UK nationally for fossil hunting was said to be Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex. 

See more information about this research here. 

Fossil hunters are urged to stay safe on the coast.

Coastguards are reminding people to act responsibly when visiting beaches and have issued the following advice.

“Fossil hunting is a fantastic family activity and there is no better place to find them than on the Jurassic Coast. But please behave responsibly and don’t put yourself or your family at risk.

“Visit the Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre, take advice from the local wardens and please follow the fossil collecting code.

“Have a great time on the coast this summer, but if you find yourself in difficulty or if you see something which gives you cause for concern, do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

The fossil collecting code

Never hammer at the cliffs

Never climb the cliffs or walk on mud flows

Do not sit under the base of the cliffs

Keep an eye on the tides

Dress appropriately for sun, cold or rain