About Us
Meet Joe - The collector and presenter behind Somerset Fossil Workshops.
Joe is a fossil collector, experienced school workshop presenter and biology student at the Open University. Based in Cheddar, he founded Somerset Fossil Workshops to share his enthusiasm for palaeontology and introduce children to the remarkable prehistoric life that once existed in Britain.
He has been collecting fossils for over five years, building a collection that includes unusual specimens discovered on his own fossil-hunting trips. For Joe, the fascination goes beyond finding something ancient: every fossil offers clues about an animal, its environment and a world very different from our own.
Joe examining a possible dinosaur vertebra during a collecting trip, with only a small section of the black fossil exposed in the surrounding rock. The discovery is awaiting identification by a local museum.
From planetariums to prehistoric life
Joe previously delivered planetarium workshops in schools, helping children explore space and science through an immersive experience.
As his interest in palaeontology developed, he decided to combine that presenting experience with his enthusiasm for fossils. Somerset Fossil Workshops grew from the idea of bringing real specimens and the stories behind them into the classroom, giving children opportunities to look closely, ask questions and make discoveries of their own.
His ongoing biology studies support his wider interest in life, evolution and the connections between prehistoric animals and the natural world today.
A personal connection to prehistoric life
Some of the fossils Joe brings into schools come from his own private collection, including specimens he has discovered himself. These individual fossils are not normally on public display, giving pupils a special opportunity to see pieces of Britain’s prehistoric past that they would not encounter on a museum visit.
For his own finds, Joe can share the story behind the specimen: where it was found, what first caught his attention and what it might reveal about the animal it belonged to. His discoveries include turtle and crocodile remains, alongside bones that still hold unanswered questions.
There is something remarkable about seeing the remains of an animal that lived millions of years ago, knowing that its fossil lay hidden for so long before someone first laid eyes on it and discovered it. Bringing these specimens into the classroom allows children to share in that discovery and make their own connection with the distant past.
British fossils are at the heart of the workshops, helping pupils connect prehistoric wildlife with places closer to home. Real specimens, replicas and a practical casting activity bring that story to life, with a small fossil replica for each participating child to keep.
Experience schools can feel confident in
Joe personally delivers every workshop, drawing on his previous experience presenting science to school groups. He is DBS checked, with details available to schools before a visit.
From the first enquiry to the workshop itself, schools deal directly with Joe to discuss their pupils, learning topics and arrangements for the day.