Being in the Right Place, Dinosaur Isle Museum, Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight situated off the south coast of England is a special place for geological heritage. It is a microcosm of the geology of southern England, with a huge reputation as the home of British dinosaurs. Dinosaur Isle Museum has been the vehicle to take a small local collection to international recognition. This brief account focusing on the museum, explores the role of place in where geological museums are located. The Museum is located close to numerous internationally significant Early Cretaceous geological field localities. Whereas place is important, it is the role of fossils, dinosaurs in particular, in the local economy and culture which has been the sustaining factor for the museum, and therefore its continued role in geoconservation.