Annbank fossils and fossil collecting |
Low
Annbank was once a location highly rich in plant remains. It is now over collected and the beds are hard to to find.
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Not for children
We do not recommend children to this site, it is dangerous with steep sides, fast flowing water and poisonous weed
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Difficult Access
Annbank is easy to find but the footpath down to the river is well hidden and may take a while to locate.
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River bank collecting
Fossils are found in the river and stream beds which cut through carboniferous rocks. |
No Restrictions
There are no restrictions at this location, but please follow the Scottish Fossil Code below, and also our own UK Fossils Code of Conduct. |
If you collect fossils in Scotland, the advice on best practice in the collection and storage of fossil specimens, set out in the Scottish Fossil Code, applies to you. The Code may be viewed and downloaded from www.snh.org.uk/fossilcode.
 
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Annbank has several dangers, the most important is the poisonous weed in the river. We advise people visiting to ensure that you wear gloves and wash your hands carefully after the visit. Annbank can also be dangerous when water levels are high, so we advise visiting during the summer after low rainfall. |
| Last updated: |
2009 |
| last visited: |
2008 |
| Written by: |
Alister and Alison Cruickshanks |
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This is not an easy location to collect. It is very hard to find. Plant remains are found just before the Barren Red Bed, which marks the river bed. The shales above this are rich in fossils but have been mostly washed away and over collected.
The area to look for is the bank itself. The upper shale beds are much less productive and the best beds are the lowest. Often, water levels can be very high which makes collecting difficult.
Shales at Annbank
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Carboniferous, 310mya |
The Carboniferous Coal Measures at Annbank are between the Westphalian B - Ell Coal and the base of Barren Red Measures (Westphalian D). The plants are found just above the Barren Red Measures.
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Geological Tools
A pick is very handy at this location, you will need plenty of paper to wrap your finds. |
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Stone Tumblers |
Microscopes |
Test Sieves for Microfossils |
If you are interested in fossil collecting, then you may also be interested in a stone tumbler (Lapidary). You can polish stones and rocks from the beach which will look fantastic polished using a stone tumbler.
You can polish rough rock and beach glass whilst collecting fossils, on those days where you come back empty handed. These are all high quality machines to give a professional finish to your samples. They can even be used for amber and fossils. |
At most locations, you can find microfossils. You only need a small sample of the sand. You then need to wash it in water and sieve using a test sieve. Once the sand is processed, you can then view the contents using a microscope.
We have a wide range of microscopes for sale, you will need a Stereomicroscope for viewing microfossils. The best one we sell is the IMXZ, but a basic microscope will be fine. Once you have found microfossils, you will need to store these microfossils.
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Test Sieves are used when searching for microfossils. Microfossils can be found in many locations, and all you need is a small amount of sample such as clays, sands and shales, or if you have acid, limestone, oolite or chalk.
Our UKGE Store sells Endecotts Test Sieves, which are the highest in accuracy and extremely durable and long lasting. These Test Sieves are fantastic for microfossils. Endecotts Test Sieves come in a variety of sizes, frame material and types, they are certificated to EU Standards. |
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Our International Rock
and Fossil Magazine |
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At Annbank, exposures can be found on the left hand bank of the river Ayr. The exact location is just opposite Annbank village with a second exposure just South of the old piers, 1 mile north of Tarholm Bridge.
