2018-01-01 Mon

Royal Mail recently revealed some of the commemorative stamps that are scheduled to be released in 2018. A set of 10 stamps will be released in March to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force. The Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps merged to create the RAF, the world’s first independent air force on 1st April 1918. Six stamps will feature original artworks of British aircrafts. The remaining four will feature the RAF Red Arrows aerobatics team.

Species of plants and animals that were once extinct in the UK but now are found in decent numbers through conservation efforts will be featured on a set of six stamps that will be released in April. One stamp depicts the osprey which reduced in numbers in the 19th Century due to its persecution from the Middle Ages and the problem of egg collectors. Towards the end of 19th century, only a few of breeding pairs remained. With the help of long-term protection and innovative restoration techniques, the endangered osprey is now found in good numbers. Another stamp features a large blue butterfly, which became extinct in the UK in 1979, but is now found in good numbers.

The 50th anniversary of “Dad’s Army”, a British TV comedy series will be celebrated with the release of eight interesting stamps in June. Several other stamps will be released in the latter half of 2018 as well.