British Fossils Dig Your Own Fossils

The fossil dig kit is a plaster block with real fossils set inside, plus tools to excavate. You chip and brush the plaster away to free the specimens hidden in it, working slowly like a palaeontologist. The box measures about 8cm x 10cm.

Yes. The specimens buried in the block are genuine fossils, many millions of years old, rather than plastic replicas. Because they are natural, the exact fossils you uncover are unique to your kit.

You excavate the real specimens set into the plaster block. As these are natural finds the exact fossils vary from kit to kit, so part of the interest is not knowing precisely what you will uncover until you dig.

Each kit comes with the excavating tools you need, typically a small chisel and a brush, to chip away the plaster and then dust the specimens clean as you free them.

Chipping the plaster makes dust and small debris, so it is best done on a covered table or outdoors. A tray underneath catches the mess, and an apron keeps clothes clean.

It suits school-age children, with an adult on hand to help with the chisel and supervise. The freed fossils are small, so keep them away from babies and toddlers who mouth objects.

Digging takes patience and is much of the fun, so set aside unhurried time rather than expecting it in a minute. Once freed, the fossils are yours to brush clean, label and display.