A wide-ranging introduction to this inspiring subject, suitable for anyone with an interest in ancient life and the organisms that have evolved on Earth over the last four billion years.
We will start by looking at how fossils get preserved, sometimes in surprising and exquisite detail, and then begin a chronological journey of key events in the evolution of life. Along the way you’ll learn about events such as the Cambrian Explosion (in which most of the major animal groups appeared very rapidly, geologically speaking); the time when plants and animals first moved onto land; the most severe mass extinction of all, at the end of the Permian; dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs, ammonites and other life of the Mesozoic Era; the rise of the mammals, and mammoths of the Ice Age. Other topics include how to recognise some major fossil groups and tips about fossil hunting.
Please note:
- No previous background in palaeontology and geology is needed and no reading is required in advance.
- You are very welcome to bring along your own fossil specimens which you would like to be identified or which you think are of special interest.
- This event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 8 April 2026.