Funding Crisis Loses Nation Priceless Fossils

A significant collection of UK Jurassic fossils, amassed by private collector Chris Moore, has been sold to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. The collection, comprising 318 specimens from Lyme Regis and the surrounding Jurassic Coast, includes ichthyosaurs and other creatures, some potentially representing new species. British institutions, such as the Natural History Museum in London and Museum Wales, were offered the collection for an "eight-figure sum" but cited a lack of available funds for acquisitions. This situation has prompted discussions about the responsibility for funding and preserving national heritage.

The Abu Dhabi museum confirmed the acquisition, noting that the fossils showcase some of the best examples of marine life from the UK's Jurassic period. The collection went on display in November 2025. Experts emphasize that fossils are part of a region's natural and cultural heritage. While the sale does not appear to have broken any rules, it raises important questions about whether more should be done to retain such irreplaceable natural heritage within the UK for public benefit.