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UK GARDEN wildlife is being celebrated by the latest set of stamps to be released by the Royal Mail.
Britain’s gardens support a diverse range of creatures and animals which are explored within this collection.
The selected species are among the most commonly seen and readily identifiable in people’s plots and the most popular of garden creatures.
They include a fox, blackbird, common frog, blue tit, badger, smooth newt, hedgehog, robin, buff-tailed bumblebee and garden snail.
Royal Mail worked with Prof Dawn Scott, executive dean of the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences at Nottingham Trent University, on the stamp issue.
Prof Scott said: “It was fantastic to work with Royal Mail to celebrate our iconic British garden wildlife in this special collection.
“Gardens can provide havens for a rich diversity of wildlife, this collection highlights just a few.
“I hope the beautiful images inspire people to continue to support wildlife in their own gardens.”
David Gold, director of external affairs and policy said: “British people are renowned for their love of gardens, and no matter how small, in urban or rural areas, wildlife can thrive there.
“These stamps capture the rich diversity of wildlife found in gardens across the UK and remind us how lucky we are to live so close to nature.”
UK wildlife
Within the millions of gardens in the UK, there is a wide range of habitats, including flowerbeds, shrubs, lawns, ponds and compost bins, each providing resources to support a plethora of species.
Positive management of gardens – such as increasing flowering-plant diversity, reducing chemical use and providing natural food resources and refuges for hibernating animals, not only benefits the nation’s wildlife but also provides the gardens’ owners and visitors immense benefits from increasing biodiversity.
Wildlife pollinates plants to provide fresh fruit and vegetables. Wildlife recycles the waste in our compost bins and eats insects to keep control of their numbers.
Gardens and green spaces have also been shown to be beneficial for physical and mental health.
All that is needed is a space in which wildlife can thrive and humans feel the benefits.
The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available at: royalmail.com/gardenwildlife and by calling 03457 641 641.
A presentation pack including all 10 stamps is priced at £13.40.
The stamps are on general sale now.
