Wonderful woodlands

We have today, Tuesday 6 August, revealed a set of six Special Stamps that capture beautiful and inspirational views of forests from across the four countries of the UK.

Valued for their environmental benefits, such as cleaner air, flood prevention and providing habitats for wildlife, the UK's forests generate hundreds of millions of visits per year - enabling the public to enjoy woodlands for activities from walking and picnicking to birdwatching and mountain biking.

The stamps showcase the character and varied colours of the nation’s forests and are available to pre-order now from www.royalmail.com/forests. 

Featured in the set are images of the following forests: Glen Affric; Sherwood Forest; Glenariff Forest; Westonbirt; The National Arboretum; Coed y Brenin and Kielder Forest.

Our stamp launch coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Forestry Commission. Founded on 1 September 1919, the Forestry Commission’s remit was to reforest the UK for timber after the First World War had seen clearances of huge areas for the war effort. It is now the public body responsible for protecting, improving and expanding forests and woodland in England.

Responsibility for forests and woodland across the remainder of the UK has, over the years, devolved to different government agencies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

As well as providing sustainable timber to UK industry, in the last 50 years the Commission’s focus has grown to embrace other areas. It is active in wildlife conservation, especially endangered bird and butterfly species, and the preservation of National Parks and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

PK Khaira-Creswell, director, Forestry Commission centenary, said, ‘Our centenary is all about inspiring people to share our passion for forests and help us protect and improve them for generations to come. We are proud to be custodians of these stunning landscapes, which are indispensable for people and wildlife.”

Stamp strategy manager, Philip Parker, said: ‘On the Forestry Commission’s centenary these striking new stamps celebrate the beauty and tranquillity of our public woodlands, and the inspiring range of environments which receive hundreds of millions of visits each year.’

The stamps go on general sale on 13 August from www.royalmail.com/forests and in 7,000 Post Offices throughout the UK.