UK Quarry Unearths 166 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Footprints

Recent discoveries at Dewars Farm Quarry near Bicester, Oxfordshire, have revealed one of the most extensive dinosaur trackways in Europe. This remarkable finding features a 220-metre trail of footprints left by enormous sauropod dinosaurs, offering palaeontologists new insights into their movement.
Important Discoveries at Dewars Farm Quarry
During limestone extraction work in 2022, researchers uncovered hundreds of footprints, believed to be from a species known as Cetiosaurus. These herbivorous dinosaurs reached lengths of approximately 16 metres and lived between 171 and 165 million years ago.
- Location: Dewars Farm Quarry, Oxfordshire, near Bicester
- Discovery Date: Ongoing since 2022
- Species: Cetiosaurus
- Footprint Trail Length: 220 metres
- Estimated Size: Up to 16 metres long and weighing about 10 tonnes
- Estimated Speed: Approximately 4 to 5 miles per hour
Significance of the Findings
The research team, co-led by the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the University of Birmingham, has identified both sauropod footprints and rare three-toed prints from meat-eating megalosaurs. These trackways not only demonstrate how dinosaurs moved across ancient landscapes but also provide clues regarding their speed and behavior.
According to Dr. Duncan Murdock from Oxford University, measurements of the footprints were used to estimate the height and stride of these dinosaurs. The prints suggest a walking speed comparable to that of modern humans.
Environmental Context 166 Million Years Ago
During the time Cetiosaurus roamed, the geographical landscape of what is now the United Kingdom was drastically different. Positioned closer to the equator, this area experienced higher sea levels, resulting in extensive inland seas and mudflats.
Dr. Murdock explained that these dinosaurs likely navigated along mudflats connecting a series of islands. The environment would have resembled that of the present-day Florida Keys, with shallow waters and exposed land.
The Future of the Site
Experts highlight the rarity of such discoveries in the UK. Most previous sites have been small and coastal. As excavation continues at the quarry, new trackways may emerge, providing a richer understanding of these magnificent creatures.
Currently, the footprints are being documented before being reburied to ensure their protection. While there are no immediate plans for public access to the site, conversations are ongoing about future archaeological opportunities with local authorities and quarry operators.
The ongoing work at Dewars Farm Quarry highlights the rich history of dinosaur life in Europe, contributing significantly to our understanding of these prehistoric giants.