OXFORD, England (AP) — Scientists have discovered Britain’s largest dinosaur trackway site in an Oxfordshire quarry, revealing approximately 200 footprints that date back 166 million years. The tracks, spanning 150 meters, document the movements of massive sauropods and predatory megalosaurus dinosaurs.
The discovery occurred when quarry worker Gary Johnson noticed unusual ground patterns while operating machinery at Dewars Farm Quarry. Subsequent excavation by over 100 researchers and volunteers uncovered five distinct trackways, with four belonging to the long-necked Cetiosaurus and one to the carnivorous Megalosaurus.
The Cetiosaurus, reaching lengths of 18 meters, left elephant-like footprints, while the Megalosaurus, measuring 6-9 meters, created distinctive three-toed impressions. One remarkable section shows where these species’ paths intersected, with evidence indicating the sauropod crossed first.
“This is one of the most impressive track sites I’ve ever seen,” said Professor Kirsty Edgar from the University of Birmingham. The team used 20,000 photographs to create detailed 3D models of the site and individual tracks.
The prints were preserved in what was once a tropical lagoon, likely protected by storm-deposited sediments. Scientists are now working with quarry operators and Natural England to preserve the site, which may contain additional undiscovered tracks.
The discovery will be featured in an upcoming BBC Two documentary “Digging for Britain” on January 8.
