Norfolk Island Philately | | First
Day Covers | [Postcards] |
The stamps of Norfolk Island have long enjoyed a favored place
in the world of philately – its issues are among some of the most attractive
and educational of all countries of the world. Appearing below is the First
Day Cover of the Island’s latest issues. 25th Anniversary of Norfolk Island National Park
The Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden protects over 655 hectares of the remote Territory of Norfolk Island. Set in the south-west Pacific Ocean, the Territory provides a link between tropical and temperate oceanic island environments, and is home to unique assemblages of flora and fauna.
The Park and Garden provide habitat and breeding areas for endemic species, migratory birds and large colonies of breeding seabirds. They protect remnant areas of subtropical rainforest and vine-covered hardwood forest which once covered much of the Island.
Management of the National Park and Botanic Garden has a strong focus on the protection of existing native flora and fauna and habitat restoration through the control of invasive species, planting of native vegetation and implementation of erosion control measures.
The National Park and Botanic Garden provide educational, scientific, cultural and recreational opportunities for Norfolk Island residents and visitors, and is a valuable resource for the Norfolk Island tourism industry.
This stamp issue recognizes 25 years of conservation success and acknowledges the hard work of rangers in the Norfolk Island National Parks.
Norfolk Island Abuliton - Abutilon julianae – This low-growing plant was considered extinct until rediscovered on Phillip Island in 1985. When the last of the goats, pigs and rabbits were removed from Phillip Island, the abutilon started re-colonizing. Propagation and active planting is also securing this species’ future on Norfolk Island.
Phillip Island Hisiscus - Hibiscus insularis – While the entire wild population of this plant is confined to Phillip Island, thanks to widespread plantings it is now well distributed throughout Norfolk Island. Its beautiful flowers are cream to light green with a dark magenta center when they first open. The flowers then redden as they age.
Popwood - Myoporum obscurum – These often dome-shaped small trees grow to about six meters tall in open areas of forest. Their shiny green leaves have a black tip and often black margin. Prolific, scented white flowers in summer are followed by pea-sized purple berries. Through active management, these trees are increasing in number and distribution within the park and garden.
Broad-leaved Meryta - Meryta latifolia – One of Norfolk’s plant success stories, this species is on the road to recovery. In the early 200s, there were only about 20 female plants left, but with propagation and replanting the numbers have increased dramatically.
The vulnerable narrow-leaved meryta, Meryta angustifolia, is similar; but with narrower leaves.
Technical Details - The issue date of these stamps was June 24, 2011. The stamp values are 25 cents, 60 cents, $1.55, and $2.25. The First Day Cover value is $5.20, with a withdrawal date of July 22, 2011. The designer of the stamps is 2899 Design of Norfolk Island. The photographic artists of the stamp issue are Rob Nisbet, Kevin Mills and the Norfolk Island National Park. The printer of the stamps was Southern Colour Print. The sheet layout is 50 stamps per sheet in two pages of 25. The print quantity of the stamps is 15,000.
Norfolk Stamp Issues
(Click small stamp images
to see larger views.) Norfolk stamps of recent date are illustrated below
along with their date of release. Additional
release dates and a history of Norfolk philately may be seen by clicking here.
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