Is This A Fossil Plant Stem?

[EnglishGrace]

Hello. Please could you tell me what these things are found on the Northumberland coast, England? Toe of wellington boot in images to indicate scale. Third image is just slightly smaller than the second find. Please tell me everything you can... name of find, time it lived, whatever you can say would help me very much. I found several of these, but the three here are the best/biggest. Is it worth trying to get some form of protection for the area where these are to protect them from people walking on the rocks, or are they too common to be worthwhile saving in situ? I do want to preserve them though as an indicator of the prehistoric record of my area - they will get damaged/lost to the sea before long, so are they best left to their fate, or should they be removed to put in our planned local museum? Thank you.

[fossilcrazy]

Hello EnglishGrace,

I share your admiration of a piece of ancient plant spotted in the vast span of Shale. It makes one wonder how and why it got there. Happening upon such a find is notable at the very least. Looking at a Geological map of England Northumberland coast appears to be Carboniferous in age. Your fossil looks like a Pyritized plant limb. If that is so, then admiring the wonder would do. The fossil is probably scarce to spot in your area, but is a fairly common occurrence in the fossil record. To remove it for a collection could be laborious. You are right, eventually the sea will claim the specimen. Just so you know; Pyritized fossils such as yours can disintegrate later from self corrosion. I have no idea about regulations in your area; but it helps to find if collecting is permitted. Hope this has been helpful. Cheers from the other side of the pond. -Fossilcrazy (John)

Edited May 5, 2015 by fossilcrazy