Scientific journals or press releases from involved universities

UK's Largest Dinosaur Trackway of 166 Million Years Unearthed at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire

Jan 2, 2025, 04:40 PM

Researchers have unearthed nearly 200 dinosaur footprints dating back 166 million years at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, marking the largest dinosaur trackway site ever discovered in the United Kingdom. The excavation, led by teams from the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham in June 2024, revealed five extensive trackways, including the longest continuous track measuring over 150 meters. Four of these trackways were made by long-necked herbivorous sauropods, likely Cetiosaurus, which could grow up to 18 meters in length. The fifth trackway was left by the carnivorous Megalosaurus, a nine-meter-long predator known for its distinctive three-toed footprints. The site, referred to as a 'dinosaur highway,' also shows areas where the tracks of carnivores and herbivores intersect, prompting questions about their interactions. The discovery was initially made by quarry worker Gary Johnson, who noticed unusual bumps while working. The excavation involved over 100 people and resulted in the creation of 20,000 photographs and detailed 3D models of the site using aerial drone photography. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into dinosaur behavior, including their movements, sizes, and speeds during the Middle Jurassic period.