Coal was also mined in the valley. James Teague was one of the partners in the Bixslade Water Engine Pit in about 1790. In 1809 the Bixslade Deep Level was dug by David Mushet and Thomas Halford to access the Coleford High Delf Coal Seam.

The Forest has hidden much of the industrial history of the valley, but the evidence is there if you know where to look. Lots of the stone sleepers that supported the Bicslade Tramway still remain. The Severn and Wye Railway Company added a branch line from the Severn and Wye Railway in 1812. It was, in fact a tramroad and the wagons were hauled by horses. These serviced the quarries and collieries in the lower part of the valley.

By 1841 the Bixslade Colliery was producing 30,000 tons of coal every year. The tramroad was extended to the length of the valley with the final stretch completed to Bixhead Quarry in 1855. Nowadays the stone is transported by lorry.

In 1908 the Bixslade Colliery Colliery Company was employing just 20 people and the tramroad was still conveying coal until 1946! Free miners continue continue to work sections of the Bixslade gale to this day.

In the valley close to where it descends towards Cannop Ponds is a monument to Union Pit (picture above). In 1902 the mine suffered excessive flooding and four miners perished. Another three miners were trapped underground for five days!