The borough of Sefton is the most northerly of the local authority areas in Merseyside, covering 15,000 hectares (37,200 acres) between the Mersey and Ribble estuaries. Sefton has a population of around 275,899 (ONS 2020).
The borough is bordered to the west by 22 miles of ecologically important coastline including beaches, woodlands, and wetlands. The principal towns (some of which are recorded in the Doomsday Book), include Bootle, Formby, Crosby and Maghull. Southport is the main resort town, featuring a Victorian canopy over the main shopping area, and playing host to the popular Southport Flower show which is an annual event. Aintree Racecourse hosts race meetings, including the world famous Grand National.
