Dudley's World heritage Bid

Wren's Nest and Castle Hill : justification for World Heritage Status

The Wenlock Limestone of Dudley contains the most diverse and abundant fossil fauna in the British Isles: over 600 species of marine invertebrate, representing some 29 major taxonomic groups.

The site is the type locality for 186 species (more than any other British site); 63 of these recorded nowhere else. Many new species, particularly of microfossils, have yet to be described.

Dudley's fossils are among the most perfectly preserved Silurian fossils in the world. This is reflected in the fact that they have always been highly valued and are found in countless museum collections and displays across the globe.