Known for its dinosaur discoveries and fossil-rich coastline, the Isle of Wight has a prehistoric story stretching back around 130 million years.
Local palaeontologist and author Megan Jacobs is set to explore this rich history at the upcoming Isle of Wight Literary Festival.
Meet the palaeontologist
Co-founder of Wight Coast Fossils and author of A Field Guide to the Fossils and Geology of the Isle of Wight, Megan will appear at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival at Northwood House, Cowes, on Friday 9th October 2026.
130 million years of history
Often dubbed “Dinosaur Island”, the Isle of Wight is home to cliffs and beaches that reveal an extraordinary lost world beneath our feet. A new species of sail-backed dinosaur from the Island, Istiorachis macarthurae, was identified and named just last year!
Although dinosaurs may receive the most attention, they form just one part of a much larger prehistoric story. The Island’s coastline preserves approximately 130 million years of Earth’s history, recording changing climates, vanished seas and remarkable ecosystems. Its fossil record includes species found nowhere else in the world.
During her talk, Megan will explore this remarkable history and explain why such a small island has become a leading destination for fossil discoveries.
Megan Jacobs said,
“The Island has over 130 million years’ worth of geology, representing very important periods of Earth’s history. Major sea level rises, dinosaur extinctions and the rise of mammals are all captured in our coastlines.
“We’re very lucky that a vast majority of our rocks are very fossiliferous, giving us an excellent window to look back in time to the Island’s previous residents.”
A guide for everyone
Megan’s practical and accessible book offers an introduction to the Island’s geology and prehistoric past. It features key locations, clear explanations, and photographs of specimens from the collections of local amateur fossil hunters.
Megan added,
“Thousands of people visit the Island every year, hoping to stumble across a fossil – a piece of dinosaur bone or even an ammonite. However, there was no available resource for people to turn to, so I decided this needed to change! My biggest aim is to make the Island’s geology and palaeontology accessible to everyone.
“Anyone with an interest, no matter how big or small, should be able to understand the events that formed the Island, and what they see in the cliffs. As well as knowing where and what to look for to make their own discoveries!”
Event details
The event is expected to appeal to Island residents, visitors, families and fossil enthusiasts of all ages.
It takes place on Friday 9th October 2026 from 2pm at Northwood House, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 8AZ
Tickets are available from the Ticket Source website.
A Field Guide to the Fossils and Geology of the Isle of Wight is available from Medina Bookshop and online at Medina Publishing. RRP £22.50.
News shared by Charlotte on behalf of Medina Bookshop. Ed
