Lundy's new stamps celebrate wildlife

dave.tanner@archant.co.uk
05 May 2010

ONE of the new stamps being issued to celebrate the wildlife of Lundy Island.

A NEW set of stamps is being issued to celebrate the wildlife of Lundy Island.

The set of five stamps features colour photographs of the island's mammals in their natural surroundings including grey seals, feral goats, soay sheep, rabbits and sika deer.

Lundy general manager Derek Green said the new stamps helped to showcase all aspects of life on Lundy.

"Lundy's wildlife with its collection of mammals is an important part of the island ecology," he said.

The stamps are available with values of 35, 46, 69, 75 and 100 puffin, which support the current rates of the Lundy Postal Service, the world's oldest operating private postal service.

Since 1929 Lundy has issued almost 350 different stamps and collectors of the island's philately are found all over the world.

"We continue to strive for high quality stamps and for this set we have focused on a modern design and, for the first time, the motifs extend out to the perforation," added Mr Green.

"Lundy stamps have now been issued for over 80 years using a moderate issuing policy which makes stamp issues unique and creates global interest throughout the philatelic community."

The new stamps are set to be officially luanched on the island on Saturday, May 15. Lundy will also mark the occasion by officially opening the island's new beach building on the quay.

Tickets are still available for a special sailing with morris men and sea shanty singers aboard MS Oldenburg, leaving Bideford Quay at 8am and returning at 6.30pm.

Bookings can be made on (01271) 863636.