Forest to feature on stamps

A forest in Gwynedd will feature on a new set of Royal Mail stamps.

The set of six stamps will feature “captivating views” of forests and woodlands from across the UK, including Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau.

The other forests that feature are Glen Affric, Inverness-shire, Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, Glenariff Forest, County Antrim, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire and Kielder Forest, Northumberland.

Valued for their environmental benefits, such as cleaner air, flood prevention and providing habitats for wildlife, the UK’s forests generate hundreds of millions of visits per year – enabling the public to enjoy woodlands for activities from walking and picnicking to birdwatching and mountain biking.

The stamps showcase the character and varied colours of the nation’s forests and are available to pre-order now from www.royalmail.com/forests.

The stamp launch 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.

From those small shoots in 1919, the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, managed by Natural Resources Wales, today covers an area of 126,000 hectares – six per cent of Wales – and it supplies approximately 50 per cent of all timber in Wales.

Clare Pillman, NRW’s chief executive, said: “Trees have a special place in the lives of communities now, just as they did in 1919, and will in 2119. Celebrating this centenary is all about inspiring people to share our passion for woodlands and forests and help us protect and improve them for generations to come.”

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 go on general sale on 13 August from www.royalmail.com/forests and in 7,000 Post Offices throughout the UK.

Located near Dolgellau in the Snowdonia National Park, Coed y Brenin is now one of the flagship forests of Natural Resources Wales. Commercial softwood forestry across some 7,650 acres (3,093ha) of Forest Park combines with recreational facilities for mountain-bikers and a network of spectacular scenic trails for hikers, based around the impressive visitor centre.

The stamps can be pre-ordered now from www.royalmail.com/forests and by phone on 03457 641641.

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