Archaeology breakthrough as 300million year old tree found in Devon

An exciting 377 million-year-old discovery has been made in Devon, say council bosses.

Torbay Council said the fossils of trees have been discovered near Paignton – a discovery which has sparked excitement among scientists.

The fossils, known as lycopsids, were found by Dr Kevin Page during a survey of Saltern Cove which is part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.

Due to its significance, the discovery was kept under wraps for some time while the Geopark coordinated a working group.

It is believed the tree fossil is 337 million years old.

Experts from Universities of Exeter, Plymouth, Cardiff and Lille, along with Natural England came together to ensure the best and most appropriate outcomes for the find.

Torbay Council said the trees would have looked like palm trees, reports BBC.

Dr Page, president of ProGEO [the International Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage] and honorary senior research fellow at Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, said the discovery was a “remarkable find”.

This rare and unique discovery could be the first record of a desert island with trees in Devon.

Dr Page added: “These fossils are incredibly significant as they provide valuable insights into the prehistoric environment of Torbay, including the presence of volcanic islands with trees growing on them.

Geopark coordinator Melanie Border said the fossil could open a “new chapter” of changing environments and conditions at the site.

So far, records have only shown evidence of a marine environment but now there is evidence of volcanic islands and trees too.

Earlier this year, one of the oldest fossils ever discovered was found along the coast of Devon and Somerset.

Scientists uncovered what they believed to be the world’s oldest fossil forest at around 390 million years old, reported The Independent in March 2024.