Learn about the threat to wildlife with these special stamps Bedford News

Wonderful wildlife can be found in many varied locations across the UK, from woodlands to rivers, hedgerows or even your own garden.

It is an even more privileged moment when we see mammals such as hedgehogs, seals, otters and red squirrels in their natural environment.

But the sad reality is that many British animals need special protection to help them survive.

To celebrate wildlife and educate people about their plight, Gorgeous Cottages has illustrated 10 stunning mammals in stamps showing each animal’s approximate population, whether stable or declining, and their conservation status.

You can also find out where to spot the country’s favorite wildlife in regions of the UK, as below:

Hedgehog – UK population: 1,000,000 and falling. Conservation status: priority species. Three places to spot them: Hedgehog Street Garden at RHS Harlow Carr, in the hedges, in your garden.

Otter – UK population: 10,000 and growing. Protected. Three places to observe otters: Staveley in Yorkshire, Magor Marsh in Wales, Loch of the Lowes in Scotland.

red deer – Population of the United Kingdom: 350,000 and remaining stable. Protected. Where to spot red deer: Galloway Forest Park in Scotland, Ennerdale Valley in the Lake District, Exmoor in Somerset.

brown hares – UK population: 800,000 and falling. Priority species. Three places to see brown hares: Willow Tree Fen in Lincolnshire, Meeth Quarry in Devon, Upton Broad and Norfolk Marshes.

red squirrels – UK population: 140,000 and falling. Priority species. Three places to find red squirrels: Scottish Highlands, Hauxley Nature Reserve in Northumberland, Snaizeholme in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Badgers – UK population: 300,000 and growing. Protected. Three places to spot badgers: Tewin Orchard in Hertfordshire, Rutland Water, Knutsford Heath.

gray seals – UK population: 120,000 and growing. Protected. Three places to see gray seals: Blakeney in Norfolk, Ravenscar in Yorkshire, Farne Islands in Northumberland.

deer – UK population: 500,000 and growing. Protected. Three places to find deer: Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire, The New Forest, Lyme Park in Cheshire.

water vole – UK population: 132,000 and falling. Priority species. Three places to spot water voles: Norfolk Broads, Brecon Beacons, UK rivers.

pine marten – UK population: 4,000 and falling. Priority species. Three places to observe pine marten: Glenloy Lodge in Fort William, Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway, County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland.