OFFICIAL DINOSAUR SAFARI GUIDE LAUNCHED – PRESS RELEASE – 26TH AUGUST 2015

How much did an Iguanadon weigh?

Have you found a fossil, or just another pebble?

What did dinosaurs have for dinner?

What happened to the Island’s dinosaurs?

These and more questions are answered in a brand new, 38-page Dinosaur Safari Guide, published by Visit Isle of Wight.

Brimming with humour, the Isle of Wight Official Safari Guide is a fun, engaging workbook with ideas, activities and games designed to educate and inspire further learning.  Cartoon character, “Diana Saw” is the book’s roving reporter offering dinosaur-mad kids sensational scoops with her ‘access all areas’ pass to the Isle of Wight.

Written by dinosaur expert Steve Love, the guide includes information on where to see real footprints and maps for walking dinosaur territory, as well as lots of photographs of what to look for and reconstructions by the world-renowned dinosaur book illustrator, John Sibbick.

The Isle of Wight has recently been named by the Daily Telegraph as one of the five “best places in Britain for young fans to come nose-to-nose with dinosaurs – or hunt for fossils”. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/familyholidays/11667891/UK-dinosaur-attractions.html

The travel feature, called “Jurassic World: The UK’s best dinosaur attractions”, says that “Dinosaur remains are so ubiquitous on the Isle of Wight that there’s even an app.  Download it to follow in the footsteps of giants, or head to Compton Bay or Yaverland beaches to search for fossils.”

Named the Dinosaur Capital of Britain in 2013, the Isle of Wight is the UK’s fossil finding capital and one of the most important places in the world for finding fossils, including the magnificent Isle of Wight Iguanodon that graces the London Natural History Museum’s famous dinosaur Gallery, and a number of fine and unique dinosaurs in Dinosaur Isle in Sandown.

Visit Isle of Wight feel the new Official Dinosaur Safari Guide is the perfect tool to inspire and educate youngsters – and encourage them to go on “safari” in search of dinosaur sites and attractions on the Island.

David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of Wight said: “Around the world, dinosaur fossils are actually pretty rare, and even where they are found they are often from just one species, or are just a few fragments.  But here on the Isle of Wight over 20 species of dinosaur have been found so far, some in near-complete condition.  The title Isle of Wight Dinosaur Safari is meant to send a clear message that the Island is one of the most important places in the world for finding dinosaurs”.

Steve Love added: “The idea for this book came when I went to see Isle of Wight tourism chief David Thornton, to ask him why the Island doesn’t do more to raise awareness of its massive worldwide status as a world heritage dinosaur site.  I expected some push-back, so I even took some lumps of dinosaur bone from a local beach to plonk on his desk.  Instead, I found he was asking exactly the same question.  The upshot is that he set me the challenge of writing a book which simultaneously nails the Isle of Wight’s scientific dinosaur credentials, is attractive to visitors, and is accessible to all ages.

“Although I am the author, the book is a team effort by many of the Island’s dinosaur and fossil experts, all of whom, including me, have contributed their time and material for free in the interests of supporting the Island’s visitor economy”.

The Isle of Wight Official Dinosaur Safari Guide is a new must-have for kids who love dinosaurs.    Officially launched at a book-signing event at Waterstones in Newport on 20^th August, the book costs just £5 and contains cut-out vouchers worth over £17, which can be used in seven Island shops, cafes and attractions.

Copies can be purchased from Island tourist information points, dinosaur-related attractions and all good retailers, including Waterstones on the Isle of Wight.   Or, order one on line from www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

For further information, please contact:   Sue Emmerson, Visit Isle of Wight Press Officer, Tel: 01983 521555, Ext 29/07766 705672, E-mail: sue@visitwight.co.uk

Steve Love, the author of the Isle of Wight Official Dinosaur Safari Guide is available on 01983 629497, 07955 736345 and stelov1@yahoo.co.uk.