Charnia masoni
Introduction
The photograph on this page of Charnia masoni by Ashley Dace as part of the Geograph project.
The Geograph project started in 2005 with the aim of publishing, organising and preserving representative images for every square kilometre of Great Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
There are currently over 7.5m images from over 14,400 individuals and you can help contribute to the project by visiting https://www.geograph.org.uk
Charnia masoni
Image: © Ashley Dace Taken: 19 Sep 2011
The best known example of a Charnia masoni fossil in the recently revamped geology section of the New Walk Museum. I have seen the quarry where this fossil was taken and another Charnia masoni in Bradgate Park. Due to secrecy I can't submit. A geological background of the host rock can be found here Image The fossil is the first Pre-Cambrian fossil ever recognised and described (some in Australia had been found but not recognised as being that old). Local boy Roger Mason was climbing in Bradgate Park and found this 'leaf'. Having a liking for geology he and his father contacted Trevor Ford of Leicester University who was sceptical. However on arrival its importance was apparent. The fossil was described and named Charnia masoni, another extracted was Charnia discus. These organisms are still a mystery even with much research, however it is thought the fronds are not leaves, possibly filter feeders. Another local lad, Richard Attenborough (also connected with Leicester University) often explored Bradgate Park a few years after the discovery. Image]
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Image Location
Latitude
52.626008
Longitude
-1.122429
