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The discovery of the Rutland Ichthyosaur affectionately dubbed the "Rutland Sea Dragon" captured the world’s imagination when it was unearthed in 2021. As the largest and most complete skeleton of its kind ever found in the UK, the 180-million-year-old marine reptile is a find of international significance. However, for the people of Rutland, it isn't just a world-class scientific treasure; it is a vital piece of local heritage.
A campaign spearheaded by local Member of Parliament Alicia Kearns is rallying the community to ensure the Sea Dragon remains in the county where it spent millennia buried.
In a recent push to secure the fossil's future, Alicia Kearns announced that a local petition has successfully amassed over 2,000 signatures. This surge of public backing reflects a clear, definitive message from residents: the Sea Dragon belongs in Rutland, accessible to the community that celebrates it, rather than being whisked away to a distant national museum.
"Rutlanders have spoken loud and clear our Sea Dragon belongs here, where it was discovered, and must be protected for future generations," Alicia Kearns stated, expressing gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support.
The petition's success marks a crucial milestone in the campaign. By crossing the necessary signature threshold, the movement has effectively triggered a formal debate at a full meeting of the local Council. This forces local authorities to officially address the public's demands and construct a viable plan for the fossil's preservation and display within the region.
However, the job is not yet finished. With the final deadline looming, the campaign is making a final push to maximize numbers and present the strongest possible case to the councilors.
The deadline for signatures is fast approaching. Residents and supporters who want to ensure this magnificent piece of prehistory stays in its rightful home are urged to add their names to the petition before it closes.
To sign the petition and back the campaign, visit www.aliciakearns.com/rutland-sea-dragon
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Rutland County Council says that it can no longer afford to acquire and house the famous "Rutland Sea Dragon" fossil, citing a rapidly worsening economic climate and an unexpected £1 million budget shortfall.
The decision marks a major shift for the council, which had previously committed millions of pounds to keep the prehistoric treasure in the county where it was discovered.
The spectacular 180-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil—discovered at Anglian Water’s Rutland Water Nature Reserve—is widely considered a find of national significance. However, keeping the "Sea Dragon" in Oakham has proven to be an uphill financial battle for local authorities.
The council’s financial strategy for the fossil hit a series of major roadblocks over the past year.
A bid for roughly £4.5 million in National Lottery Heritage Funding was officially turned down.
In response to the lottery rejection, the council stepped in to salvage the project, allocating £6 million of its own council funding in the latest budget.
A worsening economic outlook over the last three months has triggered a steep rise in inflation, supply chain disruptions, and construction costs.
Council officials revealed that continuing with the current plans would add an extra £1 million to the project. This is on top of the £6 million in council funds and £1.8 million in Local Regeneration Fund money already committed.
In a statement detailing the decision, Rutland County Council emphasised that the financial risk to the wider community had simply become too high to justify.
"The demands on Rutland taxpayers are now too great and we cannot justify the risk to our wider budget. Unfortunately, the increased cost, liabilities, and risks that come with conserving and housing the Sea Dragon are now much bigger, meaning Rutland County Council can no longer afford to acquire the fossil itself."
Despite dropping the Sea Dragon acquisition, the council assured residents that planned investments into the Rutland County Museum in Oakham will still go ahead.
The council intends to fulfill its original Levelling Up objectives by delivering new digital experiences and transforming the museum into a updated cultural hub designed to boost local tourism. However, the future home of the historic Sea Dragon fossil itself remains uncertain as it moves out of the council's hands.
