Royal Mail Action for Species stamps

Some of the country’s best-loved animals, including the hedgehog, wildcat, otter and water vole, are highlighted as species under threat in Royal Mail’s latest issue in the Action for Species series. The series, which highlights the plight of the UK’s most endangered species, began in 2007 with birds, followed by insects in 2008, and plants a year later. In this, the International Year of Diversity, some of the UK’s rarest mammals are highlighted, including two species of marine creatures who visit Britain’s waters each year; the humpback whale and sperm whale.

Royal Mail's Mammals issue

Julietta Edgar, Head of Special Stamps, Royal Mail, said: ‘The Mammals issue is a great example of how special stamps can combine a series of beautiful images, and deliver a powerful conservation message to millions of customers every day. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of conservation groups and the public, the UK’s mammal population benefits from legal protection and active conservation measures resulting in encouraging signs of recovery.’
Naturalist Pat Morris has written profiles of each of the ten animals featured, together with details of projects being undertaken to protect them, and this information is available with Royal Mail’s presentation pack and on a filler card sold with the First Day Covers.
All ten mammals featured on the latest stamps are the subject of conservation programmes, because of changes to their environments, such as pollution, urban growth and the introduction of non-native species, all of which have contributed to a fall in numbers. It is hoped that by drawing the public’s attention to Britain’s various species of endangered plants and animals, current and future conservation programmes will ensure their long-term future.