The Wren's Nest Fossil Guide Wren's Nest Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve is a Geological Site of Exceptional Importance, and is one of the most notable geological locations in the British Isles. It is internationally famous for its large numbers of beautifully preserved Silurian limestone fossils, collections of which can be found in museums throughout the world. Over 700 fossil species are known at Wren’s Nest and Dudley was the first place in the world where a third of these were found. In recognition of its geological significance, Wren’s Nest was declared a National Nature Reserve in 1956 and also a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1990. Brachiopods Atrypa reticularis Resserella canalis Sphaerirhynchia wilsoni Eoplectdonta duvalii Amphistrophia funiculata Leptaena depressa Strphonella euglypha Eospirifer radiatus Howellella elegans Gypidula galaeta Meristina obtusa Trigonorhnchia stricklandii Bivalves Pteronitella retroflexa Grammysia cingulata Gastropods Acroculia haliotis Poleumita discors Poleumita funatis Worms and Squid Conularia quadrisulcata Cornulites serpularius Tentaculites ornatus Cawsonoceras annulatum Trilobites Trilobites are a group of extinct fossil arthropods easily recognized by their distinctive three-lobed, three-segmented form. These were exclusively marine animals which first appeared at the beginning of the Cambrian Period, about 542 million years ago, when they dominated the seas. Here are just two examples of Trilobite species that are commonly found fossilised at Wren's Nest. Calymene Blumenbachii Calymene blumenbachii is a species of trilobite discovered in the limestone quarries of Wren's Nest Hill in Dudley, England. Nicknamed the Dudley Bug or Dudley Locust by 18th century quarrymen it became a symbol of the town. Calymene blumenbachii is commonly found in Silurian rocks (about 430 million years ago) and is thought to have lived in shallow waters. Dudleyaspis quinquespinosa The Dudleyaspis quinquespinosa is a type of trilobite which was kept as a part of the infamous 'Charles Holcrost' collection of fossils. This fossil is specifically names after the area in which it was discovered: Dudley. Reef Builders Acervularia ananas Favosites gothlandicus Halysites catenularius Dokophyllum turbinatum Tryplasma loveni Cyathophylum pseudoceratites Crinoid Stem Crinoid Ossicle (stem segment) The STEM Response Team If you enjoyed this Fossil Guide, you can find even more amazing FREE Science Learning resources on our website including: Posters, Worksheets, Videos, and more! https://Tinyurl.com/STEMResponseWLV You can also find us on our social media channels: www.facebook.com/STEMResponseTeamWLV www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6KgKJcT9ksy2l3h4yEcDQ www.twitter.com/STEMResponseWLV.