Fossil Grove

Fossil Grove is Glasgow's most ancient attraction.

A unique treasure, situated in beautiful Victoria Park in the west of the city, the fossil trees uncovered by removal of the surrounding rocks are the remains of an ancient forest, around than 330 million years old. Scottish National Heritage has designated the grove a site of Special Scientific Interest. These fossilised tree stumps were discovered in 1887 when an old quarry was being landscaped as part of the work during the creation of the park. Careful excavation of the site uncovered the fossil remains and a building was erected to protect them from the elements. What can you see there today? You will see a snapshot of a small corner of an ancient forest, preserved in stone.

The most obvious feature of the site is the 11 fossil tree stumps (an extinct type of plant known as giant clubmoss), some of them up to 90 centimetres high, preserved in the position in which they once grew. A fallen trunk, about eight metres long, and other smaller fragments of branch and root, have also survived. Fossil Grove is open daily from 12 noon to 5.00 p.m. between 1 April and 30 September.

A viewing balcony overlooks the fossils, and small displays provide information and interpret the site for visitors.

Additional info

Parking for visitors is on the main road running adjacent to Victoria Park.