Sheet 5
Although the heart of Liverpool is built up, numerous 'green lungs' of country and urban parks-such as Croxteth, featured in this guide-run alongside the Mersey, one of Britain's greatest rivers. North of Liverpool, there is the unique habitat of the Sefton coast, one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain and also home to several rare or restricted species, including the natterjack toad and the red squirrel. Over the river, Wirral's location between industrial Liverpool and the influence of North Wales gives it a fascinating cultural identity. It features hidden villages, glorious buildings and long-lost seaports.