Derek Worthing suggests building on land “wasted” as private golf courses (Letters, 14 July). Here in north Wirral, it is only the existence of these courses that has prevented the dune land from being covered in concrete like the rest of the Mersey coast. The courses devote much effort to protecting vanishing habitats. Meanwhile, they attract thousands of visitors annually, pumping millions into the local economy, and employ hundreds of local people.

If Mr Worthing is looking for a target, I suggest the hundreds of brownfield sites in this area that are unpopular with developers.
Kevin Murphy
Wallasey, Merseyside

Land devoted to golf courses isn’t “wasted”. Golf courses provide a haven for diverse threatened flora and fauna, the latter including the pensioners who play, thereby keeping hospitals free for those who do not appreciate the benefit of fresh air and exercise. Golfers provide their own energy to play, and maintaining the course has a positive carbon footprint. Golf is – and always has been – green.
Phil Dowell
Bridport, Dorset