Sefton Edgelands and all that: Misbegotten Places

The Cheshire Lines Path follows the route of a railway that was closed in 1952. Towards the southern end near Sefton Lane the route diverts onto Old Racecourse Road which was the site of the original Grand National before it was relocated to Aintree (single tree). On these flat mosslands this sentinel would have served as a waypost for travellers or maybe it demarcated a boundary; whatever its former significance the name is now known all over the country. Travelling north from here you pass near The Withins where until 2005 the Waterloo Cup, a major Hare Coursing event was held. An inveterate gambler and what we would today term a sports promoter, it was Mr William Lynn who inaugurated both of these events in 1836. He was the proprietor of the Waterloo Hotel in Ranelagh Street and it was the meeting of sporting gentlemen here which conferred its name upon the hare coursing trophy. No doubt Mr Lynn had a keen eye to business and of course both of these events have over the years drawn enthusiastic followings and both have to varying degrees excited controversy. I do not intend to express a personal opinion on the well-voiced issues surrounding coursing or, indeed, National Hunt: these are matters upon which different individuals will always disagree; the reason I mention them at all here is that they formed in the case of one and continue to form in the case of the other an important part of local heritage.

Graffiti-adorned bridges which now incongruously take byways over the remaining track-bed are reminders of what once was. The flat mosses with their associated network of drainage ditches which the pathway bisects merge into the developed areas of Maghull and Netherton to the south and Formby and Southport to the north.

It is probably correct to assume that this area was far busier a hundred years ago than it is today. With urban sprawl the 'urgent need for more homes' which is possibly today's most depressing mantra, it gladdens me that this winter destination for tens of thousands of Pink-footed Geese is still on the edge and not yet swallowed up.

Partridge, both red-legged and grey, Barn Owls and the occasional Red Squirrel have now reclaimed this place. Lapwings, corn buntings and yellow hammers also make this place their home. Marsh and Hen Harriers make occasional sorties as does the Merlin. In spring (not just Mad March) if you are lucky you may see Hares boxing. Contrary to what you may think, the main pugilist in these amorous pursuits is usually a doe in season who will beat off the attentions of rival suitors in favour of the most vigorous buck. In summer Whitethroats, Sedge Warblers and Reed Warblers chide walkers and cyclists as the pass. The ventriloquial Grasshopper Warbler is also a regular breeder; its call has been likened to the sound made by an angler's reel and the "reeling" can continue for minutes without a break.

This is perhaps a case of Edgelands in reverse and long may it so remain.