Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a list of questions our staff are frequently asked about Fossil Grove

Where is Fossil Grove?

Fossil grove is situated in the south-west corner of Victoria Park in the Whiteinch area of Glasgow. The building is set within the peaceful surroundings of a beautifully landscaped old quarry.

What can I see?

Fossil Grove is a geological site that has been excavated to reveal fossil trees. Inside the protective building - an area of about 23 metres by 10 metres - has been laid bare. The scene, which can be observed from a viewing balcony, is dominated by a group of large tree stumps. These represent a natural group of trees still in the position in which they were once growing.

What information is available?

Small displays on the balcony give a brief introduction and explanation of the site. A booklet is also available for purchase at the Grove.

What kind of plants were the fossils?

The fossil remains are those of a tree called Lepidodendron. This was the commonest of the giant clubmosses - extinct members of a group of plants known as lycopsids.

What did Lepidodendron look like?

Although it was a primitive plant and unrelated to present day trees, Lepidodendron would have been an impressive plant growing to over 40 metres high. Its long trunk rose straight for much of the height of the tree before dividing repeatedly into a crown of branches. The leaves grew directly from the bark and were arranged in a spiral pattern, densely covering the smaller branches. Cones were borne on the ends of the branches.

How old are the fossils?

The trees were alive and growing around 330 million years ago during a period of time known as the Carboniferous Period or coal age. Giant clubmosses like the Fossil Grove examples were common plants throughout Carboniferous times from 363 to 290 million years ago.

What was the Fossil Grove World like?

Scotland was very different 330 million years ago. For a start, it was situated near the equator and the climate was hot and humid with a high rainfall. It formed part of a landscape of extensive low-lying swampy river plains and deltas. These wetlands were swathed in dense tropical forest in which Lepidodendron and other giant clubmosses were common and were the dominant plants. What is preserved at Fossil Grove is only a tiny corner of a vast tropical forest that once thrived in the area.

Did dinosaurs live in the forests?

No, dinosaurs first appeared about 100 million years after the time of Fossil Grove. No fossil animals have been found at Fossil Grove but evidence from elsewhere shows that the forests were rich in life. Fish swam in the rivers and pools, and there were amphibians and reptiles as well as insects, spiders and scorpions.

What are the Fossils made of?

None of the original plant material survives. The stumps are composed entirely of sandstone. They are natural casts retaining the original shape of the trunk and roots.

Are there any more fossil remains in the surrounding area?

Only a limited area of the rock layers in which the exposed fossils are preserved was excavated. Outwith the confines of the excavation, in directions where these layers have not been previously removed by quarrying or natural erosion, there may be more stumps. However further work is probably not worthwhile. It would be expensive and may not provide any significant new information.

Are there other similar sites?

Fossil Grove is unique. Isolated stumps and small groups of giant clubmosses have been found elsewhere, but only here have they been carefully excavated, protected and preserved on site. This allows them to be seen and studied still in association with each other and with the surrounding rocks.

Where can I find out about job vacancies with Glasgow Museums?

Glasgow Museums are programmed and managed by Culture and Sport Glasgow on behalf of Glasgow City Council. Vacancies are listed on the Culture and Sport website at www.csglasgow.org.

Can I hire a Glasgow Museums' venue for a corporate hospitality or community event?

Yes, some of our venues are available for hire and a full range of catering options is available. Encore Creative Catering operates venue hire and catering facilities, on behalf of Glasgow Museums. Visit www.encorecatering.co.uk to find out more about encore catering, or phone 0141 287 2260.

How do I find out about the volunteering opportunities with Glasgow Museums?

Phone 0141 276 9381, or email museumsvolunteering@csglasgow.org .