The small section between the lower end of the Sark and the River Esk is known as the "debatable lands", and was formerly a haven for criminals and outlaws who wished to exploit the weakness of the two countries' border defences.
The small area between the lower end of the Sark and the River Esk, known as the "disputed territory", was formerly a haven for criminals and outlaws who sought to exploit the vulnerabilities in the border defenses of both countries.