Full Breakdown
Discovery of Europe's Longest Dinosaur Trackway at Dewars Farm Quarry
10/15/2025, 1:02:13 AM
Uncovering the Dinosaur Highway
In 2024, a significant paleontological discovery was made at Dewars Farm Quarry near Bicester, Oxfordshire, where researchers uncovered extensive dinosaur trackways dating back approximately 166 million years to the Middle Jurassic period. This excavation revealed nearly 200 dinosaur footprints, including Europe’s longest sauropod dinosaur trackway, which spans about 220 meters. The trackways were primarily made by the herbivorous sauropod Cetiosaurus, a large dinosaur that could reach lengths of up to 16 meters and weigh around 10 tonnes.
The excavation was co-led by the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the University of Birmingham, with contributions from Liverpool John Moores University. The team, consisting of over 100 members, faced challenges due to a drier and harder surface compared to previous years, impacting their ability to excavate every footprint fully.
Insights into Dinosaur Movement
The footprints provide valuable insights into the locomotion of these ancient creatures. Dr. Duncan Murdock from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History explained that the size of the footprints allows researchers to estimate the height of the dinosaurs and their walking speed, which is approximated to be around 4 to 5 miles per hour—similar to the average human walking speed. The discovery of both sauropod and rarer three-toed footprints, likely from carnivorous megalosaurs, adds to the understanding of the ecosystem in which these dinosaurs lived.
Historical Context of the Site
During the Middle Jurassic, the area now known as Oxfordshire was significantly different, situated at a latitude comparable to northern Africa, with higher sea levels creating large inland seas and mudflats. These conditions allowed dinosaurs to traverse between islands, as noted by Dr. Murdock, who likened the landscape to the Florida Keys or the Bahamas.
Future Prospects and Preservation
The excavation team is currently engaged in systematic sampling of the sediments surrounding the footprints to gain further insights into the environment of the time. Although the footprints are being carefully documented and will be reburied for protection, discussions are ongoing with quarry operators Smiths Bletchington and local authorities regarding potential future excavations.
Kirsty Edgar, a palaeontologist from the University of Birmingham, emphasized the rarity and significance of the site, stating, “This site in Oxfordshire is the largest dinosaur track site in the UK, and arguably now the largest mapped dinosaur track site in the world.” As more of the footprint surface is expected to be exposed in the coming years, further discoveries and scientific analyses are anticipated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We now have evidence of tens of individuals moving through this area at around the same time, perhaps as a herd.” — Dr. Duncan Murdock, Oxford University Museum of Natural History
- “Dinosaur tracks provide us with the opportunity to glimpse how dinosaurs lived, and what they were doing at that moment in time – something we can’t get from the body fossil record alone.” — Professor Kirsty Edgar, University of Birmingham
Conclusion
The discoveries at Dewars Farm Quarry not only enhance the understanding of dinosaur behavior and ecology but also highlight the importance of collaborative research in paleontology. As excavations continue, the site promises to yield further insights into the life of dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period.
