Dalbyover Kalkgrav

Introduction

Dalbyover Kalkgrav is a chalk quarry where local Danish farmers dig chalk to spread on their fields. The limestone in this quarry was formed millions of years ago – just after the extinction of the dinosaurs – and within these chalk layers, you can find beautiful and complete sea urchin fossils.

Below are a few that we found ourselves. The chalk is so rich in fossils that it's nearly impossible to leave empty-handed, which makes this quarry especially suitable for fossil hunting with children.

Most sea urchins lie loose among the limestone. However, it can be helpful to bring some small tools (like a flat screwdriver) to gently pry the fossils out of the rock. Don't just search among the stones in the piles – look carefully at the ground as well.

Geological period