The Wyre Forest Coalfield covers an area of about 50 square kilometres. The area around highly was an important part of this significant resource. Extraction of the various rock types within the coalfield has occurred since medieval times, thus contributing to the economy and character of the area.

Highley Colliery was established in 1878 and remained productive until its closure in 1969. The coal seem worked by the miners was located at a depth of about 270 m and was only 1.2 m thick. Peak production from this seam reached 150,000 tonnes per year.

The short trail at highly describes the formation of coal and explores the stratigraphy of the coalfields and the history of mining and its effect on the local community.