Archaeologists Discover Europe’s Longest Dinosaur Trackway in UK

Researchers have uncovered one of the world’s longest sets of dinosaur tracks in a quarry located at Dewars Farm, Oxfordshire. This remarkable discovery reveals footprints that date back approximately 166 million years, showcasing the prehistoric past of the region.

The trackway spans roughly 220 metres and is believed to have been created by a single Cetiosaurus, a plant-eating dinosaur that could grow up to 18 metres long. Archaeologists, including a team from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH) and the University of Birmingham, revealed the prints after returning to the site for further excavation this summer.

Significance of the Discovery

The footprint trail, described as impeccably preserved, provides valuable insights into the behaviour of these ancient creatures. Using data collected from the tracks, Professor Peter Falkingham from Liverpool John Moores University has created a 3D model of the Cetiosaurus, allowing scientists to visualize how it may have moved. The tracks indicate that the dinosaur did not always walk in a straight line; one footprint appears to have veered off to the side, suggesting the animal may have paused to lean on one leg.

The dimensions of the footprints are notable, measuring approximately one metre wide—double the size of an average elephant’s print. Kirsty Edgar, a palaeontologist at the University of Birmingham, emphasized the rarity of finding such extensive trackways, highlighting the importance of this discovery in understanding dinosaur behaviour and migration patterns.

Research and Future Exploration

Ongoing excavations at Dewars Farm have yielded significant findings since work began in the 1990s. Last year alone, five separate trackways were uncovered, and this year’s efforts resulted in hundreds more prints. The research teams have noted that the site has preserved the tracks effectively over millions of years, likely due to the conditions during the Middle Jurassic Period when the UK was positioned closer to the equator.

The discovery of these tracks was facilitated by a controlled explosion that removed layers of sediment and limestone, making access to the prints easier. Dr. Duncan Murdock, an Earth Scientist at OUMNH, noted, “What is most exciting about this site is the sheer size and number of footprints. We now have evidence of tens of individuals moving through this area at around the same time, perhaps as a herd.”

While the majority of the prints belong to the Cetiosaurus, another trackway has been attributed to the Megalosaurus, a carnivorous dinosaur measuring approximately 9 metres in length. The Megalosaurus, first scientifically described in 1824, has been a subject of extensive study, and recent discoveries continue to enhance our understanding of this ancient predator.

Dr. Emma Nicholls, a vertebrate palaeontologist at OUMNH, remarked, “Scientists have known about Megalosaurus longer than any other dinosaur on Earth. Yet these recent discoveries prove there is still new evidence of these animals out there, waiting to be found.”

The research at Dewars Farm is expected to yield further insights into the life and environments of these prehistoric creatures, contributing significantly to our understanding of Earth’s history. Richard Butler, Professor of Palaeobiology at the University of Birmingham, expressed optimism about future studies, stating, “There is much more that we can learn from this site, which is an important part of our national Earth heritage.”

As scientists continue to analyze these remarkable tracks, they aim to unlock further secrets of the ancient world, ensuring that this fascinating piece of our past remains accessible for future generations.