butterflies are a classic topic popular with collectors and the public alike. The butterflies issue, celebrating the british love of butterflies, is an exceptional set of 10 stamps that continues the momentum gained from the Action for Species series.

The last time Royal Mail issued a set of stamps devoted to butterflies was 1981; hence it was high time that subject was returned to. To create a brand new special issue, Royal Mail turned to renowned artist Richard lewington.

Royal Mail features at least one set of stamps on wildlife each year, as these are among the most popular subjects for stamps. In recent years Royal Mail has chosen to often highlight the plight of threatened species and to promote them on the post. britain’s butterflies were therefore a natural choice. unusually for stamp subjects,

they are not much larger than a postage stamp itself!

Many butterflies are in decline in the uK. Three quarters of uK species have decreased in either distribution or numbers over the last 10 years. however, intensive conservation efforts have increased a number

of threatened species, such as the Marsh fritillary, featured in the set. (Source: butterfly Conservation)

The 10 uK species of butterflies chosen are a mix of endangered and the more common and familiar. The delicate illustrations depict these beautiful creatures to stunning effect.

Source: Royal Mail

published June 27th, 2013