The Fossil Grove is located within Victoria Park, Glasgow, Scotland. It was discovered in 1887 and contains the fossilised stumps of eleven extinct Lepidodendron trees, which are sometimes described as "giant club mosses" but they may be more closely related to quillworts. The Fossil Grove is managed as a museum and has been a popular tourist attraction since it opened for public viewing. The site, Glasgow's most ancient visitor attraction and the remnants of an extensive ancient forest, is viewed from within a building constructed to protect the fossils from the elements.
A unique treasure, situated in beautiful Victoria Park in the west of the city, the fossil trees uncovered by removal of the surrounding rocks are the remains of an ancient forest, around than 330 million years old. Scottish National Heritage has designated the grove a site of Special Scientific Interest. These fossilised tree stumps were discovered in 1887 when an old quarry was being landscaped as part of the work during the creation of the park. Careful excavation of the site uncovered the fossil remains and a building was erected to protect them from the elements. What can you see there today? You will see a snapshot of a small corner of an ancient forest, preserved in stone. The most obvious feature of the site is the 11 fossil tree stumps (an extinct type of plant known as giant clubmoss), some of them up to 90 centimetres high, preserved in the position in which they once grew. A fallen trunk, about eight metres long, and other smaller fragments of branch and root, have also survived.
Victoria Park is beautifully laid out and a redolent oasis in the city. A viewing balcony overlooks the fossils, and small displays provide information and interpret the site for visitors. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. There are toilet facilities on site. Assistance dogs are welcome. With permission, the fossils may be touched by the visually impaired. There is free parking on local streets.
Location : Fossil Grove, Victoria Park Drive South, Glasgow G14 1BN
Transport: Whiteinch (National Rail) then 10 minutes. Bus Routes : 1, 351, 360, 378, 395, The One and X4 stop outside.
Opening Times : April 1st to September 30th, Daily, 10:00 to 17:30
Tickets : Free
Tel. : 0141 276 1695
