ePetition details

Thecodontosaurus was a small bipedal dinosaur that lived in the Bristol area just over 200 million years ago. The first remains of this animal came from a quarry, next to Quarry Steps at Durdham Downs, in 1834.

It was the first dinosaur from the Triassic period to be identified. So early was its discovery, at the time of it was excavated, the concept of dinosaurs was yet to be formally developed.

Recognising this discovery through a plaque that is local to the quarry site is important for several reasons:

(1) It connects local people with their local natural history, giving us a chance to stop and think about our place in nature and in deep time. This is particularly important for prehistoric life, which can often seem intangible or distant, due to the incredible periods of time involved.

(2) It would highlight a lesser known aspect of Bristol's multi-layered history, reminding us not just of the early days of palaeontology but also of the city's poorly remembered quarrying past.

(3) In a time of ecological and climate catastrophe, understanding "where we have been" is a crucial indicator in understanding where we are going.

(4) Dinosaurs and other prehistoric life perform a tourism function in the areas where they have been uncovered. The plaque would directly tie in to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery's excellent exhibit on "The Bristol Dinosaur", potentially aiding footfall at the site.

(5) Engaging with prehistoric life is often a gateway for young people into studying the natural sciences and going on to STEM careers. The University of Bristol's excellent "Bristol Dinosaur" schools outreach programme is a great example of palaeontology being used to get young people engaged in the sciences. Again, a plaque would tie in directly to this work.

If not this year, then certainly the time of the 200th anniversary of either discovery (1834) or identification (1836), would be a good moment to install a plaque at Quarry Steps.

Ashley Coates 2024

Started by: Ashley Coates

This ePetition runs from 15/07/2024 to 15/07/2025.

32 people have signed this ePetition.