Winter Fur & Feathers
Issue Date: Tuesday, 16th November 2015Reason & Inspiration
During the winter months, the UK countryside can lose some of its natural colour, as leaves fall and trees become covered in snow. Yet among the seasonal changes linger some spectacular animals, often hard to see but occasionally revealing themselves with a flash of an underwing or shiny pelt. The robin, for example, is at its most dramatic during the British winter, its colourful red breast standing out from its surroundings, while other creatures, like the mountain hare, stoat and weasel, become completely transformed by their winter ermine.

Some birds and mammals visit British shores only in winter, including species such as the edwing. During this time of year, the UK becomes a migration hotspot, with millions of animals passing through or taking up temporary residence for a few weeks or months. So, while many animals hibernate and sit out the British winter, the rest of the countryside plays host to some wonderful sights and sounds, making it well worth keeping one’s eyes and ears open during a bracing wintry walk.

Stamp Specifications

Post & Go Stamps: Winter Fur & Feathers
Number of stamps: Four
Date of issue: 16th November 2015
Design: Osborne Ross
Acknowledgements: Illustrations by Robert Gillmor; photography © Royal Mail Card design © Royal Mail Group Ltd 2015
Printer: International Security Printers
Process: Gravure
Format: Landscape
Size: 56mm x 25mm
Perforations: Die-cut simulated
Phosphor: Bars as appropriate
Gum: Self-adhesive

As overprinted by Post & Go machine: Mountain Hare A true alpine mammal, the mountain hare inhabits upland areas with a height of more than 500 metres. From October onwards, it undergoes a series of remarkable moults, transforming from brown to pure white. During average British winters, this makes the hare virtually invisible.

As overprinted by Post & Go machine: Redwing The smallest member of the thrush family, the redwing is a winter migrant in the UK, first appearing in late September. Easy to identify with its distinctive red flanks, in harsher winters it can be seen in gardens, foraging for berries and other food.

As overprinted by Post & Go machine: Red Fox One of the UK’s most abundant wild animals, the red fox is at home in a wide range of habitats – in both rural and urban areas – and its numbers are on the increase in towns and cities. With its sleek coat and bushy tail, it is an instantly recognisable and iconic sight.

As overprinted by Post & Go machine: Red Squirrel Most known for its red fur, tufted ears and bushy tail, the red squirrel is one of the UK’s favourite native mammals, although increasingly rare to spot. It is most at home in the coniferous woodlands of Scotland, but also survives in isolated spots in England.