Welcome To Hic Bibi
Local Nature Reserve
Hic Bibi 1928
Natural History
N
Public Footpath
to Wigan Lane
Public Footpath to
Coppull Moor Lane
1
Train Line
Public Footpath
to Hic Bibi Lane
Hic Bibi Local Nature Reserve is an eight hectare site developed
on a former clay quarry and brickworks. Although the site
was created by the activities of man, the process of
natural vegetation colonisation, combined with
virtually no human intervention for nearly 50
years, has led to the development of a diverse
and valuable ecology. The site is a place of
special interest that needs protecting. If left, the
processes of natural succession will eventually
lead to the ponds drying out and the speciesrich grasslands converting to woodland. In
managing the site, the habitat and wildlife variety
is maintained.
4
3
2
1
The name Hic Bibi is derived from Latin
and means, “here drink I”. Nearby Hic
Bibi Lane is an ancient Roman Road, it
is believed that the name Hic Bibi was
given to the well along this track by
Oliver Cromwell. Seeing that the land
surrounding the well was Monastic land
it is most likely that the Latin name was
given by the monks during the
seventeenth
century.
This stone marker
on Hic Bibi Lane
locates the well
5
Reproduced from the Ordance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Chorley B.C. 100018509 (2010)
Chorley Council acquired the land on a 999
year lease in 1993 enabling the Council to
secure the site’s long-term future and develop
and manage it as a nature reserve for wildlife
and the local community. Reclamation work
began in 1997 to create the nature reserve.
Rubbish was cleared, new ponds and paths
created, hedges and trees planted and fencing
and stiles installed.
In 2007 a grant was obtained to help maintain
the site’s national importance as a Great
Crested Newt breeding site. Encroaching
willow scrub was removed from the central
area of the site and three new ponds of
varying size and depth were created using
the natural clay on site. The ponds support
breeding amphibians and water voles and the
newly exposed clay has re-established into
species-rich grassland.
2
3
Public Footpath
over Hic Bibi Brook
A number of companies acquired the mining
operations during the next decade including
the Red Moss Coal and Canal Co. Ltd and
the Hic Bibi Coal and Canal Co. Ltd (1876)
but the latter firm was declared bankrupt
in May 1878. Ellerbeck Colleries Co. Ltd
was formed in 1880 to take over. The mines
continued to function until November 1887
when they were abandoned.
The opening of the Wigan to Preston railway
line in 1838 brought about significant
changes in Coppull. Mineral lines were
opened soon after and by 1860 Coppull was
very much part of the industrial revolution
with its mines, mills, pits and brickworks.
Hic Bibi colliery opened in the 1860’s. It was
originally called Coppull Hall Colliery, started
by Thomas Rymer Bourne. There were 2
pits as can be seen on the map
from 1928.
4
The Sidings Schedule shows that the
connection serving the Colliery was put in
under an agreement between Bourne and
the London and North Western Railway
dated 9th September 1864.
5
The colliery and brickworks did not require
an extensive locomotive stock. There
was an engine shed and one locomotive
engine: Lilleshall.
Clay extraction at the brickworks began in
the late 1880’s and was continued by the
Ellerbeck Collieries Co. Ltd through to the
closure of the brickworks in 1959. After the
brickworks’ closure practically all of the
structures were demolished and the site
was left in a semi-derelict state.
Very few features associated with the site’s
industrial history remain. There is some
winding gear; one small brick building which
was the brickworks’ electricity
sub-station and the partial remains of
a light railway track.
Grassland
The majority of Hic Bibi Local Nature Reserve comprises of speciesrich grassland together with areas of marshy grassland which provide
ideal habitat and food for a multitude of insects such as the Burnet
Moth, Speckled Wood, Comma and Common Blue butterflies.
The many ponds on site are all at differing stages
of natural succession and are an important habitat
for wildlife, forming part of a nationally important
pond cluster. They support significant amphibian
populations including the protected species, the
Great Crested Newt. Other species recorded include
Palmate Newt, Smooth Newt, Common Frog and
Water Vole. The ponds also support a diverse
range of invertebrates such as molluscs, beetles,
damselflies and dragonflies to name just a few.
You Are
Here
Willow
Screen
Common Blue
Dragonfly
Ponds
Industrial Past
Site History
Since clay extraction and brick making ended at Hic Bibi, the surrounding
landscape has changed significantly. The adjoining railway line has developed
into an important wildlife corridor, which has helped Hic Bibi develop into a vital
oasis for flora and fauna.
The variable topography and hydrology across the site has enabled a wide range
of habitats to develop including ponds, dry and damp grassland and scrub. The
presence of a substantial amount of clay and close proximity to the water table
ensures that much of the site remains almost permanently waterlogged. This
combined with the sheltered nature of much of the site creates a warm humid
microclimate. This has been an important factor in the development of the
special features of the site. The key features of most importance are the areas
of improved/marshy grassland, the amphibian population, in particular the Great
Crested Newt, the breeding bird population and the ponds.
Approximately 160 plant species have been recorded within the
site which is a very high number for such a small area. Some of the
less common species include Star Sedge, Northern and Southern
Marsh Orchids, Common Twayblade, Selfheal, Sneezewort and
Rough Hawkbit.
Common Frog
Old Brickworks
Electricity Sub-station
Birds
Key
As many as 40 species of birds have been recorded at
Hic Bibi Local Nature Reserve. The site is one of the
most important breeding Warbler sites in Chorley and
the dense/scattered willow scrub is key to this. The site
is notable for breeding Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper
Warbler, Reed Bunting and Lesser Whitethroat. Around
27 different species of bird breed at the reserve which is
a high number for a relatively small site and 10 of these
are of conservation concern in the UK.
Please Respect Nature
Surfaced Footpath
Hic Bibi is home to many protected
animals and plants. Please follow
the visitors’ code:
Hedgerow
• Enjoy the Nature Reserve and
respect its wildlife.
Access Point
• Keep to the footpaths.
Pond
• Keep all dogs on a lead and
under close control at all times.
Grassland
Trees & Scrub
• Take your litter home.
Other species of birds which can be seen at the site
include Cuckoo, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch and
Mistle Thrush.
Warbler
Common Spotted-Orchid
Greater Burnet- Saxifrage
• No shooting, horse riding
or motorcycling.
In order to minimise disturbance there are
no formal paths to the ponds, grasslands or
scrub. However, these features are visible from
a number of locations along the path network.
Designed and Produced by Woods Creative www.woodscreative.co.uk
Tel: 01257 515151
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.chorley.gov.uk
The process of natural colonisation has led to a diverse range of
plants at the site. Ironically, it is these natural processes, particularly
scrub, tree and reed canary grass colonisation, which could cause a
loss of much of the grassland. The site is managed on an annual basis
following an ecological management plan. You will notice that for part
of the year the site is grazed by ponies who are much better suited
to the undulating landform than a mower! This ensures that the scrub
doesn’t spread and the grasslands are maintained and enhanced.