Rimrose Valley is a 3.5 km (2.2 mi) country park and valley which forms a border between Crosby and Litherland in the borough of Sefton, Merseyside, with the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on its eastern edge. Historically the valley was a low lying area which along with the brook separated the old townships of Crosby and Litherland. The site was particularly prone to flooding so remained largely unsettled. The raised land at the edges of the valley were used for farming.
The central section of the site became a domestic refuse tip, and large areas were set aside as allotments and recreation grounds. Due to the wet nature of the valley many of these allotments were abandoned and over time were colonised by reeds. Today only the area adjacent to Beach Road remains as allotments. Tipping ceased in 1978, leaving only the northern and southern ends of the valley with a natural feel.
Reclamation of the site started in 1993 with the aim of improving the area as both a recreational and educational resource for local people. The site now has two Sites of Special Local Biological Interest (SLBI's), at Brookvale Local Nature Reserve and also vast reed beds at Fulwood Way to the east of the site. The country park is a well established popular area of countryside well used by nearby residents.
Rimrose is not a pristine area of countryside and provides evidence of changing land use. It is subject to occasional vandalism and abuse, but it still has increasing importance for wildlife and peaceful recreation. The valley has been under threat from a dual-carriageway relief road since 2016 despite objections from local people and Sefton Council. A campaign group: “Save Rimrose Valley” was formed to voice these objections and resist the destruction of the valley.
The Rimrose Valley is the subject of an ongoing, long-term photographic project that aims to document all aspects of the valley through the changing seasons. Land use, evidence of the actions of people, notions of beauty, representation of the landscape, the connection with subject and layers of history are themes which continue to influence the work of photographer Stephen McCoy. The Rimrose Valley has allowed him to explore these concerns.