Amateur archaeologists Dan Chamberlain and Russell Yeomans discovered what is believed to be a mammoth tibia on the beach at West Runton. Picture: Ally McGilvray
Posted on 05/14/2017 11:05:56 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Mammoth discoveries on the North Norfolk coast could be bigger than the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, if marketed properly, according to a local tourism operator.
Louise O’Shea, who runs the Beach Cafe in West Runton, spoke out after North Norfolk District Council missed out on £2 million from the Coastal Community Fund to rebrand a stretch of coastline, between Weybourne and Sea Palling, the Deep History Coast.
She explained that the mystery of Nessie attracts around one million visitors to the shores of Loch Ness, in the Scottish Highlands, every year and is estimated to be worth around £25 million to the local economy.
And yet no evidence that she even exists has ever been found.
However, in constrast, the amateur archaeologist pointed out that historic finds continue to be made along the North Norfolk coastline, which is where one of the most complete skeletons of a Steppe Mammoth was unearthed at West Runton - considered to be the best place to study Ice Age geology in the UK - in 1990.
Amateur archaeologists Dan Chamberlain and Russell Yeomans discovered what is believed to be a mammoth tibia on the beach at West Runton. Picture: Ally McGilvray Amateur archaeologists Dan Chamberlain and Russell Yeomans discovered what is believed to be a mammoth tibia on the beach at West Runton. Picture: Ally McGilvray Louise said: “Let’s face it, the Scottish Highlands have built a tourism industry on the Loch Ness monster despite the fact there is no solid proof it exists!
“And yet the most complete remains of a Steppe Mammoth were found here in the cliffs and nothing much has been done to promote it.”
North Norfolk District Council confirmed it is planning to resubmit a new scaled down bid for funding when the fund reopens to applications later in the year.
The local authority’s original plans included the creation of a new geology hub at Cromer Museum and improved toilet facilities at West Runton and Cart Gap, with new buildings which will also house an exhibition space; as well as story boards, sculptures and interactive displays.
Margaret Hems pictured on the dig at West Runton beach, the site where she found the West Runton elephant bone in 1990. Picture: submitted Margaret Hems pictured on the dig at West Runton beach, the site where she found the West Runton elephant bone in 1990. Picture: submitted It also planned to link the discoveries with a new trail between Weybourne and Cart Gap, along a waymarked coastal path as part of its proposals to transform the area into a living landscape museum in a move designed to encourage more overnight visitors to the area for longer which it was anticipated could generate an extra £35m for the local economy in its first two years.
Louise added: “I think it’s great the council are still looking to get funding for the Deep History Coast. North Norfolk needs to promote all the great, unique things it has.”
The local authority revealed it wants to recruit local residents as volunteer ambassadors to sell north Norfolk as a desintation to visitors by displaying Deep History Coast branding in their shops and businesses.
And, with more discoveries waiting to be unearthed, the team behind the project believes, if successful, it could become even bigger than the Jurassic Coast in the south of England.
A computer generated image of what the new discovery points could look like. Picture: Luke Sterne/SMG Architects A computer generated image of what the new discovery points could look like. Picture: Luke Sterne/SMG Architects Last month, a giant bone uncovered on the beach at West Runton was provisionally identified as the tibia (lower leg) bone of a mammoth, which last walked the earth more than 700,000 years ago. And, according to one expert, could be two million years old.
Councillor Tom FitzPatrick, Leader of North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), said: “NNDC continues to be fully committed to the Deep History Coast concept and we are considering an investment of approximately £0.5m to kick-start the project, as well as looking into other funding opportunities.
“The Council will submit its amended project proposal in the next round of applications to the Coastal Community Fund.”
VisitEngland said it is unable to comment on its plans to promote the area until after next month’s General Election.
Amateur archaeologists Dan Chamberlain and Russell Yeomans discovered what is believed to be a mammoth tibia on the beach at West Runton. Picture: Ally McGilvray
Interesting
Mammoth Tibia - It's What's For Breakfast
“original plans included the creation of a new geology hub at Cromer Museum and improved toilet facilities at West Runton and Cart Gap”
Well, that’s a relief. I was worried about the lue situation there. lol!
Sure... the taxpayers had nothing better to do with a half million I bet
A million visitors and only worth $25 million to the local economy? She must have a small definition of “local economy”.
If you had a farm in Sundaland, or were a wooly mammoth, global warming really sucked.
From the photo it’s clear that it’s not a mammoth tibia. At best, it’s a big-honkin’ tibia.
My dog buried that bone on that beach 60 years ago. I thought I recognized it.
Thanks for the memories.
Yeah. A quick glance at that photo and it’s a mammoth leg, complete with rub, cooking on the grill.
Note: this topic is from . Thanks nickcarraway.
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