One of the most important fossil sites in Britain, right here in west Dorset, will open to the general public for the first time.

The Horn Park Quarry site, on the B3163 between Beaminster and Broadwindsor, will allow visitors from May 28.

The quarry is home to fossils of international interest dating back 170 million years.

Horn Park Quarry site is the country’s smallest natural nature reserve and contains what geologists describe as the most significant examples of ammonites in Britain.

The Jurassic Coast Trust and Natural England, with help from Beaminster Museum, have been working on the site to make it accessible for viewing by the public - though collection of fossils is not permitted as the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Visitors will be able to see the magnificent specimens in situ, look at the examples from Beaminster Museum loan boxes, follow the fault lines and chat with experts. There will be activities for all ages.

The quarry has a direct link to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site in that the fossils exposed are also found at the top of the cliffs near Burton Bradstock, where there is no access.

Horn Park Quarry is of international importance for the abundance of fossil ammonites found there, which represent an almost complete record of part of the Jurassic period. It is now used to correlate rocks of the same age throughout the world. They date from around 170 million years ago when what is now Dorset was situated near the equator.

The coiled shells of ammonites, arguably the most recognisable fossil in the world, were buried there and turned to stone, while the soft parts rotted away.

Since 2009, the Jurassic Coast Team in partnership with Natural England have been working with volunteers to improve the condition of the quarry by clearing away vegetation from the rock faces and keeping the features of interest visible. It has not been open to the public because it could easily be damaged by inappropriate fossil collecting.

Now, the public are welcome to take a look around -though you must contact the Jurassic Coast Trust prior to your visit.

Entry is free, though donations towards upkeep would be welcomed, and parking is available on site.

Visitors are advised to wear strong shoes with grip and to beware of steps, slopes and rough surfaces. There are no toilets or refreshment facilities.

For more information, visit beaminstermuseum.wordpress.com or jurassiccoast.org