“Looking forward to Iguanodon action in 2025.” Dr Jonathan G. Larwood. Curry Fund Secretary, Geologists Association.

“This is very exciting.” Amy Harrison-Seales, Public Engagement Officer, Royal Society.

“You too might be able to find a 130-million-year-old piece of dinosaur, just like Mary-Ann Mantell did 200 years ago.” Prof. Susannah Maidment, Principal Researcher,  Natural History Museum  

#Iguanodon200 is a unique opportunity for more people to connect with the Iguanodon fossils that were found in St Leonards-on-Sea and for new people to come to an exciting heritage relating to Gideon Mantell’s naming of the Iguanodon species.

Prof Susannah Maidment explains, “A palaeontologist is a scientist who studies the evidence of past life. Palaeontologists study fossils: everything from fossilised plants to insects, sea creatures and, of course, dinosaurs. Fossils can take the form of bones, shells, pollen, footprints, and even poo! Palaeontologists work in museums, universities and sometimes for private companies.”

In 2025, our community arts festival will connect to other national events marking #Iguanodon200. It is a unique opportunity for many people to overcome barriers to access, finding their personal creative entry point into this fascinating topic. The schools and community projects begin in January and the creative outputs from these exciting initiatives will form the outdoor art trail open to the public in the school spring holiday.