What’s new?
New stamps highlight plight of UK’s mammals
The Wildlife Trust is working to ensure the ten species of UK mammals, featured on new stamps issued this week by The Royal Mail, have a wild future - not a sticky end.
Thanks to conservation schemes undertaken by the Wildlife Trust locally, many of these species - including the dormouse, otter, water vole and greater horseshoe bat - are on the road to recovery.
Chris Gerrard, Director of Living Landscapes for the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough Wildlife Trust, said: “Many people are enthused and inspired by imagery of these creatures; sleeping dormice, sleek otters and the adorable water vole – known fondly as ‘Ratty’ in Wind in the Willows – but some may not be aware of the work which goes on to ensure there is enough high quality habitat for them.
“The Wildlife Trust is working with landowners, local authorities and other partners to create A Living Landscape for wildlife and people, which will help many of these mammals, including otters, regain some ground.
“The work we have undertaken to conserve and protect these charismatic animals on reserves and in the wider landscape has been successful in preventing their further decline. But it is vital we all see the bigger picture if we are to secure a future for these ten, and many other species of wildlife.”
The Royal Mail issued the Mammals stamps on 13 April 2010. The stamps are of ten species including humpback whale, wildcat, brown long-eared bat, polecat, sperm whale, water vole, greater horseshoe bat, otter, dormouse and hedgehog.