Royal Mail releases 10 new stamps each featuring a mushroom

The stamps showcase the diversity and ecological importance of the mushrooms, highlighting 10 species: Chicken of the Woods, Clustered Bonnet, Scarlet Waxcap, Morel, Scarlet Elf Cup, Penny Bun, Amethyst Deceiver, Collared Earthstar, Fly Agaric and Turkey Tail.

Royal Mail collaborated with mycologist Geoffrey Kibby, an expert in identifying mushrooms, to create the stamps.

Geoffrey has authored numerous books and field guides on the larger fungi of Europe and North America.

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He said: “Fungi are finally getting the attention that they deserve in literature, education and on TV, and now their amazing diversity and importance to our ecology is being celebrated in this excellent set of Royal Mail stamps.

“The species illustrated show the wide variety of fungi to be found in the British countryside, emphasising their importance as a vital part of the fascinating biodiversity to be found in our islands.”

The UK’s fungi species number more than 4,000, with a wide variety of forms, colours, and textures.

They range from the edible Penny Bun to the toxic Fly Agaric, easily recognisable by its red cap dotted with white.

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Despite their significance, many people remain unaware of the breadth and beauty of the UK’s fungi.

David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: “Few people will be familiar with the breadth, variety and beauty of the fungi that are of such biological importance to our natural environment.

“Mushrooms play an essential role in the delicate balance of life around us, yet largely go unnoticed. In these stamps, their contribution to the natural environment is duly recognised.”

The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order at the Royal Mail website and via phone.

General sale starts on July 3.

Each stamp features a mushroom species, with information on its characteristics and habitat.

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Chicken of the Woods, for instance, is notable for its large, flattened brackets found on trees, especially oaks, in early summer through to autumn.

(Image: Royal Mail) Meanwhile, the Scarlet Waxcap is a beautiful mushroom with a scarlet cap found in late autumn in undisturbed meadows.

(Image: Royal Mail) The Morel, prized for its edible quality, is widespread in the UK and found in mixed woods on rich soils.

(Image: Royal Mail) The Penny Bun, also known as the cep, is celebrated in numerous cuisines and found in autumn in mixed woods throughout the UK.

(Image: Royal Mail) The Amethyst Deceiver, with its striking amethyst violet colour, is one of the easier mushrooms to identify, while the Collared Earthstar grows star-like arms to lift its central ball up from the ground.

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(Image: Royal Mail) Fly Agaric, a classic toadstool, is widespread from August to December, primarily in birch woods.

(Image: Royal Mail) Lastly, the Turkey Tail, one of the most common bracket fungi found in the UK’s deciduous woodlands, is notable for its variable colour and concentric zones.

(Image: Royal Mail) Each species illustrated on the stamps highlights the wide variety of fungi to be found in the British countryside.

Their significance underscores the vital role they play as part of the UK’s biodiversity, and these stamps aim to celebrate that contribution.