A set of six special stamps featuring captivating views of forests and woodlands from the four countries of the UK have been unveiled by Royal Mail.

The forests that feature are Coed y Brenin in Gwynedd; Glen Affric in Inverness-shire; Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire; Glenariff Forest in County Antrim; Westonbirt, the National Arboretum in Gloucestershire; and Kielder Forest in Northumberland.

Showcasing the character and varied colours of some of the UK’s most impressive forests, the launch of the stamps 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.”

Philip Parker, Royal Mail, 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 are on sale now from www.royalmail.com/forests and in 7,000 Post Offices throughout the UK.