A renowned fossil expert, Dr. Steve Etches, MBE, made his first discovery—a flint fossil sea urchin—in his family’s garden at the age of 5. Since then, he has collected fossils from Kimmeridge Beach’s Jurassic Coast, amassing an extensive collection of more than 2,800 specimens. 

An impressive array of his fossils is on display at The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Kimmeridge. This collection prioritizes the most scientifically important fossils that serve as evidence of the Mesozoic Era when dinosaurs lived on Earth. 
 
Dr. Etches has received numerous awards in recognition of his dedication to the field of paleontology, including the Geologists' Association Halstead Medal and an honorary doctorate from the University of Southampton. In 2014, he was named a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contributions to science. He has also co-authored several scientific publications and papers.