Scientists uncover the UK’s biggest dinosaur trackway in Oxfordshire. OXFORD UNIVERSITY

A groundbreaking discovery has unveiled the UK’s largest dinosaur trackway in Oxfordshire, with nearly 200 footprints dating back 166 million years to the Middle Jurassic Period. The footprints were unearthed at Dewars Farm Quarry, where palaeontologists from the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham conducted a week-long excavation in June 2024. Among the findings were tracks of both herbivorous sauropods, such as Cetiosaurus, and carnivorous theropods like Megalosaurus, Britain’s first-named dinosaur species. Gary Johnson, a quarry worker, first noticed unusual bumps on the clay surface while preparing the site. His observation led to the discovery of five major trackways, including one stretching over 150 meters. Emma Nicholls, a vertebrate palaeontologist, emphasized the significance of the find. “These footprints provide an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of dinosaurs and their tropical habitats,” she said. Using drone photography and 3D modeling, scientists documented the site in intricate detail, paving the way for future research. The discovery adds to the growing evidence of the Middle Jurassic Period’s rich biodiversity, offering fresh insights into dinosaur behavior and interactions. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page