Work is now underway on a new museum that will house the collection of 2,000 fossils diligently collected over the past 30 years by local resident, Steve Etches.

This small community's enthusiasm and the generosity of the Heritage Fund will give thousands of people a greater understanding of the Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site and its relevance to life today.

General Sir Michael Hobbs, Chairman of the Kimmeridge Trust

To palaeontologists the Kimmeridge Clay fossils represent the most complete collection from the late Jurassic age ever assembled in Britain. They are of international significance and the new museum will help people to understand and study their significance, both in Kimmeridge and globally through online teaching resources.

The vision of the Kimmeridge Trust is for a museum that will provide access to this unique collection, local employment and volunteering opportunities in a building equipped with a full range of 21st-century display and learning technology.

General Sir Michael Hobbs, Chairman of the Kimmeridge Trust, said: "I find it inspiring that Mr Steve Etches’ dedicated life's work will be celebrated in this museum. This small community's enthusiasm and the generosity of the Heritage Fund will give thousands of people a greater understanding of the Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site and its relevance to life today."