Manx Wildlife Trust 50th Anniversary Set

This issue of ten colourful, vibrant stamps have been beautifully illustrated by Manx Wildlife Trust’s Biosphere Artist in Residence Clare Payne in partnership with Manx Wildlife Trust.  

The stamp designs feature the official MWT 50th anniversary logo and depict ten different species who have earnt their place through their significance and importance to our Island’s ecosystem.

Little tern, Sternula albifrons: MWT’s logo includes the little tern, which breeds on coastal habitats of international importance on the Ayres (a reserve in the north of the Island).

Hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus: Considered the gardener’s best friend, hedgehogs are becoming increasingly confused by our changing climate. MWT runs a citizen science programme using hedgehog recording tunnels to try and assess their numbers on Island.

Ammonite fossil, Ammonoidea: Arguably the most recognisable of fossils and are the remains of an extinct marine mollusc. Scarlett, in the south of the Island, is known for its interesting geology and fossils along with incredible wildlife, all on display at the MWT Nature Discovery Centre there. Palaeontology helps direct conservation efforts through better understanding of the causes of extinction.

Sundew, Drosera rotundifolia: Our only carnivorous plant, found amongst mosses which form peat, an important carbon store. Much of the Island’s peatland is currently degraded and releasing carbon. MWT are working with the Manx Government to map and restore the Island’s peatland.

Skullcap, Scutellaria galericulata: A rare wildflower which MWT recently rediscovered in Island after an absence of 142 years. A perennial member of the mint family which loves wet, marshy grassland known locally to farmers by its Manx name, ’garee’.

Dark bush-cricket, Pholidoptera griseoaptera: The dark bush-cricket is one of only six species of Manx invertebrate which are legally protected. MWT is conducting annual monitoring to increase our awareness of this uncommon species.

Nudibranch, Polycera spp: MWT worked closely with the Manx Government to create the first Marine Nature Reserve in 2011 around Ramsey. The Island now boasts 10 of these marine protected areas covering over 50% of our inshore area.

Scarce crimson & gold moth, Pyrausta sanguinalis: A very rare micro-moth which is found only at the Ayres, in the north of the Island, and a few locations in Ireland. The larvae feed on wild thyme which is abundant across the Ayres National Nature Reserve.

Fly agaric fungus, Amanita muscaria: The classic fairy tale toadstool, this red and white fungus is often found in woodlands, typically growing beneath pines and birches. MWT Hairpin Woodland Park, part of the Ramsey Forest Project, aims to create a great place for people to visit and enjoy them.

Chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax: The Isle of Man boasts a third of the combined British & Manx population, largely due to our more traditional farming practices. MWT works closely with farmers through the DEFA Agri-Environment Scheme to ensure continued protection of their habitat and food supply.