9 August 2023
NatureScot has actually today released the revitalized Scottish Fossil Code, which motivates individuals to utilize Scotland’s world-renowned fossil heritage properly.
First released in 2008, the Scottish Fossil Code sets out assistance on how to gather and care for fossils in an accountable method, without harming them or the locations where they are discovered.
Described as a ‘can-do’ guide to accountable fossil gathering, the revitalized code intends to motivate and allow accountable discoveries, causing broader public interest and involvement. By following the code, individuals can remain within the law and utilize finest practice in gathering and saving fossils.
To mark its launch, Scotland’s nature company is commemorating females of previous and present with a substantial function in the research study and discovery of fossils. By sharing the stories of Scotland’s female fossil leaders, NatureScot wants to motivate future generations to discover Scotland’s geology, and deep history, which has significance in taking on the nature-climate emergency situation facing us today.
Welcoming the revitalized Scottish Fossil Code, Dr Katie Strang, Director of the Scottish Geology Festival and Research Affiliate at The Hunterian, Glasgow, said:
“Scotland has actually been witness to a few of the most turning points in the advancement of life on Earth and its amazing fossil record offers a concrete connection to our geological past. Scotland’s fossils motivate interest by combining a world of science, art and creativity, motivating individuals of any ages for more information about the natural world.
“Palaeontology is for everyone, and by highlighting the important role of women in Scottish palaeontology I hope we can encourage others to follow their passion for discovery and spark an interest in our diverse fossil heritage. The Scottish Fossil Code enables us to safeguard this rich resource and ensure it can continue to reveal our planet’s secrets for years to come.”
Men are well recorded and credited for their part in the research study and discovery of Scotland’s abundant fossil heritage, with Hugh Miller commonly acknowledged as Scotland’s most popular 19th century fossil collector.
However, lower recognized however crucial figures in Scottish palaeontology consist of fossil gathering leaders such as Elizabeth Gray (1831-1924) and Eliza Maria Gordon-Cumming (1795-1842) and fossil illustrators such as Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852-1936).
One of the most respected and experienced female fossil collectors of her time, Elizabeth Gray, produced collections for numerous museums consisting of the Natural History Museum and The Hunterian in Glasgow. Renowned for her comprehensive gathering in the Girvan location, which she did up until the age of 92, Elizabeth was made an honorary member of the Natural History Society of Glasgow in 1901.
Eliza Maria Gordon-Cumming gathered and studied fish fossils from the Old Red Sandstone of Morayshire dating from the Devonian age. She collected a big and popular collection, which she highlighted in addition to her child, Lady Anne Seymour.
As among Scotland’s very first expert female artists, Pheobe Anna Traquair, ready comprehensive fossil fish illustrations for her palaeontologist hubby, Ramsay Traquair. Her illustrations included in his research study documents and these illustrations are kept in the unique library collections of National Museums Scotland.
Also blazing a trail for females in Scottish palaeontology today is Dr Elsa Panciroli, Associate Researcher at National Museums Scotland, Leverhulme Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, and trustee of the Scottish Geology Trust. Elsa said:
“I’m lucky to be able to study Scotland’s fossils as part of my job. The motivating female fossil collectors of the past couldn’t formally study the specimens they discovered, since clinical professions were efficiently near to females. Their contributions were however fundamental to palaeontology, and should have to be acknowledged.
“Growing up in the Scottish Highlands, I loved looking at rocks, but I had no idea that there were any fossils so close to home. Now with the internet people know where to find them, but may not know how to search in a way that protects our geological heritage – the fossil code provides this information.”
Elsa belongs to a research study group finding and studying Middle Jurassic product from the Isle of Skye, consisting of mammals, salamanders and dinosaurs. Katie’s present research study concentrates on utilizing coprolites (fossil poo) to much better comprehend early Carboniferous freshwater communities.
As well as performing comprehensive research study, Elsa and Katie are both active in motivating and expanding involvement in science. Elsa has actually composed 2 popular science books on fossils and advancement, both including Scottish fossils, and she has actually composed for papers and publications and provides routine public talks. Katie offers outreach education for schools, uses directed fossil hunting strolls and runs the social networks page @scottishfossils on Instagram.
Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said:
“Fossils are a window through which researchers can see and comprehend what Earth resembled countless years back. They supply ideas regarding how animal and plant life progressed over the centuries and studying them might open services to the environment and nature emergency situations that we deal with today. The upgraded Fossil Code is a crucial action in making sure that these important artifacts are managed with the utmost care.
“It is welcome news that the females who played important functions in opening the secrets of the past are lastly getting the acknowledgment that they should have. Their contribution to our understanding of Scotland’s nature and geology is comprehensive and must be commemorated at every chance.
“I hope that these brave pioneers encourage more women and girls to get involved in these crucial areas of research.”
Eileen Stuart, NatureScot’s Deputy Director of Nature and Climate Change, said:
“Fossils inform us the story of how life has actually progressed and adjusted to previous ecological modification, and can help us prepare for modifications in the future, which has actually never ever been more crucial as we deal with the twin crises of environment modification and biodiversity loss.
“By shining a spotlight on the important role of women in Scotland’s rich fossil heritage, we can inspire others to take up the collection, care and research of fossils too. We encourage everyone with an interest in fossils to follow the Scottish Fossil Code. By ensuring its responsible use, our irreplaceable fossil heritage will continue to be of value for research, education, geotourism and recreational collecting for generations to come.”
