Following is a summary and also a link to download a pdf of the full appraisal.
National Significance
The Etches collection specifically represents a scientifically valuable archive recording the diversity of a late Jurassic Marine ecosystem in the N.W. Europe province at a time of high sea stand. In this regard the collection highlights ancient biodiversity of the Jurassic of the Dorset coast and is an important educational resource, unique to Southern England. The high quality curation applied to all of the material will allow for the future use of the collection by the scientific community in general palaeontolgists and stratigraphers specifically.
International Significance
Significantly the Etches Collection contains many specimens new to science and therefore worthy of scientific description. Amongst the vertebrates are several new genera and species, including chelonians, pterosaurs and possibly new ichthyosaur taxon. Many of the fish fossils also represent undescribed species. In addition, many of the specimens representing species that have previously been described reveal new anatomical details that will add, significantly, to our knowledge of Jurassic Vertebrates.
To the best of my knowledge, no other privately assembled collection of Jurassic Fossils since the Leeds brothers of Peterborough has contained the diversity and quality material contained in the Etches Collection. The Etches collection is without doubt, the finest assemblage of Jurassic Fossils not held by a recognised institution. A significant number of specimens are of scientific importance and every attempt should be made to secure the long term future of the collection for the benefit of all when it passes out of Mr Etches stewardship.
Dr David Martill, Reader in Palaeobiology: School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Portmouth
To download a pdf of a summarised appraisal please click here.