Matthew Myerscough, a civil engineer, has discovered a rare marine reptile fossil, often referred to as a "sea dragon," on the beaches of Lavernock Point in the Vale of Glamorgan. This discovery marks the first time such a fossil has been found in Wales.
Myscough's path to paleontology began after a traumatic avalanche incident in 2014 on Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon. Buried under a meter of snow for 20 minutes, he experienced post-traumatic stress disorder during his recovery. He found that the meticulous process of searching for fossils helped him manage his stress and process the experience.
"Being on the beach, and looking for fossils, and being kind of really focused on one specific task... it has been a tool for me to kind of process things," Myerscough said, comparing the activity to mindfulness practices like yoga or sports. He found that the focus required for fossil hunting helped his worries "melt away."
The fossil discovered by Myerscough dates back to the Jurassic period, approximately 200 million years ago. It is a jawbone fragment from a marine reptile. The cliffs at Lavernock Point are known for their rich fossil deposits, attracting paleontologists and enthusiasts alike.
Myscough returned to Yr Wyddfa in 2018 for the Dragon's Back Challenge, hiking past the site of his near-fatal accident. By that time, he had largely moved away from mountaineering, his focus having shifted towards his newfound passion for fossil hunting.