Carboniferous · 358.9 – 298.9 Ma

Carboniferous fossil sites

Carboniferous coal swamps preserved entire forests of giant clubmosses and tree ferns, alongside the world's largest-ever insects and the first true reptiles. Marine Carboniferous sites include the iconic Mazon Creek lagerstätte and the limestone coral reefs of the British Mid- and Upper-Carboniferous.

Fossils typical of this period: crinoids, brachiopods, corals, plant fossils, primitive shark teeth, Tully Monster, giant arthropods.

18 fossil sites

Updated 27 July 2026