Mortimer Forest - What Tools and Equipment do you need for Fossil Collecting in Shropshire?

"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.

These locations are quite a distance apart and it is highly recommended to take hiking gear, rucksack, good walking boots etc. Also ensure that you have food and drink. A compass and GPS Navigation device may also come in handy for this trip. A hammer and chisel should be taken, maybe a small pick and wedging device if you can carry it. Take paper and good wrapping material as some fossils can be fragile. Pen, Paper, Labels ect are a good idea so that you can mark and separate where you found the fossils at which location.

Chisel Picks: These chisel picks are ideal. Geological hammers are also suitable.

Chisels: Standard cold chisels are suitable for Mortimer Forest. 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.

Knives: Ideal for picking any finds out.

Specimen Bags: These are ideal for collecting from Mortimer Forest. 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 larger finds or sample bags.

Footwear: Hiking Boots are recommended fine for Mortimer Forest.