Help to save the endangered albatross by donating used Christmas stamps to RSPB Frampton Marsh

GEMMA GADD Email Published: 16:30 Updated: 16:43 Tuesday 11 December 2018

People from Boston borough are being asked to help save one of the world’s largest birds, the albatross, from extinction - by donating used stamps from their Christmas cards. RSPB Frampton Marsh has issued the appeal, and is asking for the postage stamps to be dropped off at their visitor centre.

The sea birds are at threat of extinction, with 100,000 dying each year due to fishing methods which see the birds caught in the lines. Since albatrosses are very slow breeders, producing only one chick every two years, this is driving them to extinction. Chris Andrews, visitor experience manager for the reserve, said: “This is a chance for local people to do something simple yet practical to help a wonderful creature like the albatross and save them from extinction.”

Donated stamps will be sold on the international market to raise money. This will then be used to fit various devices to the fishing boats that vastly reduce the chances of albatrosses being caught. The campaign has already raised enough money to place trained people on fishing boats. They then advise the skippers on wildlife friendly fishing procedures. If you would like to help, bring your used stamps to the RSPB nature reserve of Frampton Marsh, just south of Boston. Stamp collections are also gratefully received. The reserve is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9.30am to 4pm. There is a heated visitor centre with snacks, hot and cold drinks, and views over the reserve.

Read more at: 

Nature Watch: How Duck Stamps Save Birds

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONN. — Want to know an easy way to help with vital land conservation? Stop by your local post office, or go online, and buy this year’s federal Duck Stamp. It’s one of the country’s most cost-effective conservation tools. Ninety-eight cents out of every dollar you spend on these stamps goes toward buying or leasing wetland habitat. Since the program began in 1934, proceeds from Duck Stamp sales have brought more than 6 million acres under federal protection. 

A Duck Stamp costs $15 and is a required purchase for anyone over 16 who hunts migratory waterfowl. For birders or hikers, stamp sales help preserve open space and give you an entrance pass to wildlife refuges where admission is normally charged. These beautiful stamps are collector’s items, too. They’re not meant for mailing letters. Instead, they’re your contribution to conservation.

“Conservation,” you say? “When those hunters are shooting birds?”

Continued:  http://westport.dailyvoice.com/lifestyle/nature-watch-how-duck-stamps-save-birds-0