Buried beneath layers of mud for more than 166 million years, a groundbreaking “dinosaur highway” has been discovered in Oxfordshire. This remarkable discovery by researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford reveals hundreds of ancient dinosaur footprints, offering an unprecedented glimpse into life during the Middle Jurassic period.
The excavation at Dewars Farm and Duns Tew Quarry uncovered five extensive trackways, including the longest continuous dinosaur trackway ever to be found in the UK, measuring over 150 metres. These footprints were made by various dinosaurs, with four belonging to sauropods, likely Cetiosaurus, a huge herbivorous dinosaur reaching up to 18 metres in length. The fifth trackway belonged to the mighty Megalosaurus, a 9-metre-long carnivore, which was the first dinosaur to be scientifically named and described in 1824. The size and variety of the tracks suggest that this area was once a thriving hub of dinosaur activity, where different species would have interacted and crossed paths.
The footprints were first revealed when quarry worker Gary Johnson noticed some “unusual bumps” while using his vehicle to strip back clay and expose the quarry floor. In collaboration with Quarry Manager Mark Stanway and his team, the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford co-led a week-long excavation in June 2024, where a team of over 100 people painstakingly exposed around 200 footprints.
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These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs…
Unveiling this “dinosaur highway” represents a significant milestone in palaeontology, connecting to discoveries made nearly 30 years ago at a nearby site, Ardley Quarry. In 1997, limestone quarrying in Oxford uncovered over 40 sets of footprints, with some trackways stretching up to 180 metres. Recognized as one of the world’s most important dinosaur track sites, it was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. However, the site is now largely inaccessible, and due to past technological constraints, documentation of the site is limited.
Unlike previous excavations, this project utilised cutting-edge technology to create detailed three-dimensional models of the dinosaur tracks, ensuring a precise, lasting record for future research. Aerial drone photography and 3D modelling together captured over 20,000 images, creating a level of documentation with unprecedented precision. This allowed researchers to study how these dinosaurs walked, and their speeds, and even speculate on potential interactions between them.
Professor Richard Butler, a palaeobiologist at the University of Birmingham, emphasized the importance of modern techniques in uncovering ancient history. He observed that “3D models will allow researchers to continue to study and make accessible this fascinating piece of our past for generations to come.” Three-dimensional modelling can effectively preserve the site, as well as enabling researchers worldwide to explore the data, fostering collaboration and potentially even sparking further discoveries.
One particularly intriguing section of the quarry illustrated overlapping tracks from Megalosaurus and the sauropods, raising questions about whether these dinosaurs would have interacted. This overlap provides a fascinating glimpse into their behaviours and movements. Did the tracks suggest a predator hunting its prey, or were they simply crossing paths? Such questions will drive further research in the field and could uncover new insights into dinosaur interactions.
Professor Kirsty Edgar, a micropaleontologist at the University of Birmingham, stressed the significance of the discovery: “These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited.” By studying the tracks, scientists can attempt to reconstruct the daily lives of these creatures, from hunting patterns to social behaviours.
The footprints also offer valuable insights into the muddy lagoon environment that these dinosaurs lived in millions of years ago. Alongside the “dinosaur highway”, fossils of burrows, shells, and plants were uncovered, providing a vivid and detailed glimpse into this ancient ecosystem. These finds help paint a picture of a thriving environment, where dinosaurs co-habited with a variety of other life forms, from tiny invertebrates to plant life, all contributing to the dynamic ecosystem.
Dr. Duncan Murdock, an Earth scientist at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH), noted, “The preservation is so detailed that we can see how the mud was deformed as the dinosaurs’ feet squelched in and out.” These deformations offer a unique glimpse into the weight and gait of these ancient creatures, providing a level of detail that is rarely seen within fossilised footprints.
The findings were prominently featured on the BBC’s Digging for Britain, presented by Professor Alice Roberts, the University of Birmingham’s Professor of Public Engagement in Science. First broadcast on January 7th, the episode is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The discovery will also be a central highlight of the Breaking Ground exhibition at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH). Visitors can view Megalosaurus fossils, explore footage from the excavation, and learn about the cutting-edge techniques that are used in modern paleontology.
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These deformations offer a… level of detail that is rarely seen within fossilised footprints
This discovery cements the scientific significance of the Oxfordshire region and provides invaluable insights into the Middle Jurassic period. Understanding how dinosaurs lived opens a window into a world vastly different from our own, shedding light on the evolution of life on Earth, the ecosystems of prehistoric times, and the behaviours of some of the most fascinating creatures to ever have existed. With advanced technology revealing secrets hidden for millions of years, these footprints not only connect us to the distant past but can inspire future generations to explore the wonders of Earth’s history. By piecing together these ancient stories, we deepen our appreciation for the resilience and diversity of life, while gaining crucial knowledge that enriches our understanding of both the past and the present. Studying these tracks allows scientists to breathe new life into history, giving us the rare opportunity to walk alongside the giants of a forgotten age.
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