Britain’s ‘Dinosaur Highway’: Hundreds of Dinosaur Footprints Discovered in Oxfordshire

We’ve previously explored incredible dinosaur trackways in France, Turkmenistan, Texas, and Bolivia, each one as fascinating as the next. Now, in a remarkable discovery, researchers from the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham have unearthed an extensive array of dinosaur footprints in Oxfordshire, shedding light on the creatures that inhabited Britain during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 166 million years ago. This site, referred to as a ‘dinosaur highway,’ comprises around 200 well-preserved footprints, offering a glimpse into the movements and interactions of these ancient animals.

The footprints were found at Dewars Farm Quarry, where a quarry worker, Gary Johnson, noticed unusual bumps while clearing clay. Recognizing their potential significance, he alerted experts, leading to a comprehensive excavation. A team of over 100 scientists, students, and volunteers collaborated on the week-long dig, meticulously uncovering the tracks and employing modern technology, including drones and digital photography, to create detailed 3D models of the site.

Among the five distinct trackways discovered, four are attributed to large, long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs known as sauropods, most likely Cetiosaurus, which could reach lengths of up to 18 meters. The fifth trackway belongs to the carnivorous theropod Megalosaurus, a predator measuring about 9 meters in length, distinguished by its large, three-toed feet with claws. Notably, some areas of the site show the carnivore and herbivore tracks crossing over, prompting questions about potential interactions between these species.

This discovery is particularly significant as Megalosaurus holds the distinction of being the first dinosaur to be scientifically named and described, back in 1824. Dr. Emma Nicholls, a vertebrate palaeontologist at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, remarked in a statement, “Scientists have known about and been studying Megalosaurus for longer than any other dinosaur on Earth, and yet these recent discoveries prove there is still new evidence of these animals out there, waiting to be found.”

The longest continuous trackway measuring more than 150 meters (about 500 ft) in length. This expanse provides an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited. Professor Kirsty Edgar from the University of Birmingham noted, “These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited.”

This discovery builds upon previous findings in the area. In 1997, more than 40 sets of footprints were uncovered in a nearby limestone quarry, with some trackways reaching up to 180 meters (590 ft) in length. However, the original site is largely no longer accessible, and since the findings predated the use of digital cameras and drones, there is limited photographic evidence. The new trackways add to the significance of the area, and modern techniques and technology mean the prints can be recorded much more comprehensively than ever before.

The preservation of these footprints is exceptional, likely due to rapid sedimentation events, possibly from storms, that covered the tracks soon after they were made, protecting them from erosion. This level of preservation allows scientists to study the size, gait, and speed of these dinosaurs, providing insights that skeletal fossils alone cannot offer. The detailed 3D models created from over 20,000 digital images will serve as a valuable resource for ongoing and future research.

The collaboration with the quarry operators, Smiths Bletchington, and Natural England has been instrumental in the excavation and preservation efforts. Their support has enabled the scientific team to document the site meticulously and consider ways to preserve it for future study. While the site is not currently open to the public, discussions are underway to determine the best methods for its conservation.

This discovery coincides with the 200th anniversary of the naming of Megalosaurus, marking a significant milestone in the field of paleontology. It underscores the potential for new findings even in well-explored regions and highlights the importance of continued exploration and study of our planet’s geological and paleontological records. As Dr. Nicholls aptly stated, “These recent discoveries prove there is still new evidence of these animals out there, waiting to be found.”

The findings from this excavation will be featured in a new public exhibition, “Breaking Ground,” at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and the excavation process was documented for the BBC Two series “Digging for Britain,” bringing this significant discovery to a wider audience and inspiring interest in Britain’s rich prehistoric past.