THE LEON GARNER FOSSIL COLLECTION

HONOURING A LIFETIME OF DISCOVERY

Leon Garner (1941–2024) was a passionate fossil collector, researcher, and advocate for palaeontology. Over his lifetime, he meticulously gathered an extraordinary collection of over 1,500 individual fossils, each offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric life. His dedication to the field and his generosity in sharing his discoveries have left a lasting legacy, one that we are proud to showcase at Jurassic Discovery.

Through the generous donation from the Garner Family, we are able to preserve and exhibit a stunning array of fossils, ensuring that future generations can learn from and be inspired by the wonders of our planet’s ancient past.

 

Leon began fossil hunting when he was a little boy. He used to catch the train to Axminster and head to Lyme Regis with his father Ron and brother Stefan. It was during these holidays his interest was sparked.

Leon Garner

Leon Garner

The Collection

The Leon Garner Fossil Collection spans millions of years of Earth’s history, featuring specimens from the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and beyond. Each fossil tells a story—of evolution, extinction, and the incredible forces that have shaped our world.

Among the collection, visitors will find:

Dinosaur Fossils

Marine Reptiles & Ammonites

Plant Fossils

Fossilised Invertebrates

Every fossil in the collection has been carefully catalogued and conserved, ensuring its place in history and its accessibility for education and research.

Leon Garner donation image
The Leon Garner Fossil Collection

How to visit the fossil collection?

The collection is on display from 15th February 2025.

The Leon Garner Fossil Collection can be visited with your Jurassic Discovery ‘Last Day of the Dinosaurs’ Exhibition Ticket.

Included in your ticket is
Access to the Animatronic Dinosaur Exhibition ‘ The Last Day of the Dinosaur’
Access to the Jurassic Garden which includes the ‘Dino Diner’
Access to the Leon Garner Fossil Collection
Re-Entry to the Exhibition all day.

You can join your tickets with access to the Soft Play and Seaton Tramway*

*Seaton Tramway is open on select dates throughout the year. 

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