Following the discovery of the UK’s largest and most complete Ichthyosaur in 200 years of scientific palaeontology, Alicia Kearns is fighting to ensure that the so-called Rutland Sea Dragon stays in its home of 180 million years, Rutland.
The 30-foot sea creature – discovered on the banks of Rutland Water by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust’s Joe Davis while draining a lagoon island – has the potential to rejuvenate tourism in Rutland.
Alicia Kearns MP is working with Anglian Water, Rutland County Council and the Government to ensure that funding for an appropriate home for the Rutland Sea Dragon can be secured. Together with the recently discovered Roman mosaic, there is clearly plenty to discover and see in Rutland.
The incredible story of the discovery, and the subsequent dig, will be broadcast on Digging for Britain on BBC Two at 8pm on Tuesday 11th January.
Commenting, Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said:
"Our 180 million year old Ichthyosaur is just the most exciting find – and everyone in Rutland is incredibly proud that England’s smallest county now boasts England's most outstanding fossil discovery in England for two hundred years!
"The Rutland Sea Dragon will be a huge draw for people from across the country to come to Rutland – and I will be working tirelessly with Anglian Water to make sure that we bring our dinosaur home for good and that we put Rutland on the map for good."
Photo credits to Anglian Water
