Dobcroft Nature Reserve – Historical background – Bill Shannon

The name “Dobcroft” first appears in the historical record on the Tithe Map and Apportionment of 1838, referring to two fields: Nearer Dobcroft and Rough Dobcroft. Both were utilised as pasture during that time. The current Dobcroft Nature Reserve occupies approximately half of Nearer Dobcroft, with the remaining land now used by Holy Family School, established in the 1960s. Historically, these fields were part of the Cottam township, with the term “Nearer” signifying their proximity to Cottam Hall. The “Croft” element suggests small, enclosed fields, likely enclosed from the open Cottam Moor under the oversight or agreement of the Haydock family of Cottam Hall, lords of the manor. The enclosure process, aimed at improving grazing land or converting it to arable use, was likely completed by the mid – 18th century.

To support the transition to arable farming, marl pits were dug around the field edges to extract lime – rich material from beneath the heavy clay soil. This marl improved the soil by reducing acidity and increasing fertility. Evidence of arable use is visible in aerial photographs from 1946, which show the fields under ripening crops, potentially barley.

The “Dob” element in the field name likely derives from “daub,” a term for heavy clay used in construction. Some pits identified on the 1838 Tithe Map may have been clay pits. By the 1820s, the Cottam Hall Brickworks utilised this clay to produce bricks, transporting them via the Lancaster Canal, which opened in 1797. Over time, a significant clay quarry was developed to the southwest of the Dobcroft fields. When the brickworks transitioned to producing breeze blocks, the quarry was repurposed as a landfill site.

Establishment of the Nature Reserve

Following the closure of the brickworks, the land was purchased for mixed development by John Turner Construction. Due to concerns over toxic waste, the former landfill was designated for commercial development, while most of the remaining land was allocated for housing. However, the northeast corner of the site – now Dobcroft Nature Reserve – had reverted to scrubland over the years and became a habitat for the Great Crested Newt.

In 2011, when planning permission was granted for the development of the Brickworks site, a Section 106 planning condition mandated that this area be preserved as a Local Nature Reserve. Measures were taken to ensure the protection of the Great Crested Newt population, including the creation of ponds and bunds.

Management and ownership

The reserve was entrusted to Intact, which took responsibility for its management. Access to the reserve was secured through an agreement with Lancashire County Council in February 2017, establishing a path from the community centre to the site. Full ownership of the nature reserve was transferred to Intact in June 2018.

Key features and current use

Today, Dobcroft Nature Reserve stands as a vital green space, protecting local biodiversity and providing a habitat for species like the Great Crested Newt. The history of the land, from its agricultural roots to its industrial past and eventual transformation into a protected natural area, showcases its rich legacy. Intact’s stewardship ensures the reserve continues to be a cherished resource for the community and a model for conservation efforts.