Big Wood and Copperworks Wood

Site Description

Big Wood and the adjoining Copperworks Wood are located on the western urban fringe of Chorley, adjacent to existing and new residential development. Big Wood is a Biological Heritage Site and comprises two former mill lodges (reservoirs).

Copperworks Wood is a densely wooded valley with a stream running through it and is also a Biological Heritage Site. Five mineshafts are located within the site. The public gain access via unauthorised points around the periphery.

Grid Reference: 356900 417000

Size: 18ha

Site Boundary

View the site boundary (size 1.05mb)

Current Status

The main Big Wood lodge is currently used by Common Bank Angling Club but it is in a dilapidated condition. The top lodge is heavily silted. A culvert that runs beneath both lodges is in danger of collapse and essential safety works are needed. The densely wooded valley of Copperworks Wood includes a protected ancient woodland. The mineshafts are currently fenced off to prevent public access. The Woods are used informally by the public particularly dog walkers. Anti-social behaviour has included vandalism, fires and motorbike nuisance.

Previous Use

Big Wood lodges provided the water supply for the now demolished Chorley Bleachworks which ceased operating in 1992. Quarrying, landfill and mining are previous uses of Copperworks Wood. A viaduct used to cross the eastern part of the site providing access to Gillibrand Hall.

Proposed Use

The existing desire lines throughout the site are an important traffic free stretch but at present the paths are not to County Council, Public Right of Way footpath standards. It is intended to upgrade the footpath network as part of the scheme and facilitate access for the disabled wherever possible throughout both sites. Amenity features including benches, viewing points, leaning posts and interpretation boards will be added. The ecological value of the important woodland habitats, particularly flora on the woodland edge, will be protected through the installation of low rails and the planting of native shrubs. These measures will help to guide people to keep to the footpath network.

Other improvements are expected to include capping of the mine shafts to create safe areas and repair and maintenance of the main overflow spillway. The culvert is expected to be filled in and new boardwalks will be provided to enable safe public access across small streams. Invasive non-native plants including Japanese Knotweed will be treated to eradicate them from the area and bollards will be installed to prevent unauthorised access from current entrance routes. Public consultation will be undertaken as the part of the design work.

After completion of the scheme the two sites will predominantly be used for informal recreation including angling, walking, nature studies, picnics etc.). The Countryside Ranger covering the site will also promote and supervise nature conservation activities with volunteer groups. The sites will form an important and highly accessible extension of the Yarrow Valley Country Park and will provide a valuable footpath and potential cyclepath link between Yarrow Valley Country Park and Astley Park in Chorley.

Aerial Photo

View an aerial photo of the site. (size 853kb)

Design

Detailed design for the engineering works to the mill lodges are being prepared and initial outline design for the footpath network and cycle path route is being reviewed. Additional surveys and the design for the capping of the mineshafts are due to be commissioned. Further information will be provided on this website shortly.

Consultation

Public consultation for the scheme by Chorley Borough Council took place during June 2007.