Isle of Man Stamps and Coins is pleased to present a special miniature sheet which showcases the work of the Manx Ark Project and celebrates 100 years of the Southern District Agricultural Society. Due for release on April 16th, this celebratory sheet presents six paintings by Dr Jeremy Paul of British animals, now considered rare breeds.
 
The Manx Ark Project protects rare breeds of farm animals for the future and is an initiative that was developed by Isle of Man farm owner Paul Davis in conjunction with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. The idea is that the Isle of Man makes an ideal sanctuary to house some of the very rarest breeds of British farm animals, a measure that serves as a protection against any epidemics in Great Britain or Ireland and for the provision of on-going research.
 
Commercial pressures have led to the extinction of many British breeds. When a breed has been allowed to die out, never to return to British farms, it leaves a gap that cannot be filled. Since the 1970’s, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust has worked to preserve traditional breeds and keep them from extinction and since which no breed has been lost.
 
The stamps in the miniature sheet feature beautifully detailed paintings by artist Dr Jeremy Paul of endangered animals including several living on the Island - Manx Loaghtan sheep, Northern dairy shorthorn cattle, Cotswold sheep, Exmoor ponies, Gloucestershire old spot pig and Irish moiled cattle.

Paul Davis of the Manx Ark Project said: “The beautiful animals depicted on these stamps underline what we stand to lose if we allow endangered breeds to become extinct. I am thrilled that the Isle of Man Post Office has recognised and commemorated our work with these precious resources.”
 
Sarah Comish of The Southern District Agricultural Society said: “The Southern District Agricultural Society Members are very proud to be associated with both the Isle of Man Post Office and the Manx Ark Project and are extremely pleased with the Rare Breeds stamp issue. Dr Jeremy Paul has produced a series of outstanding paintings and these have been translated into a set of beautiful stamps produced by the Post Office. We hope that we can help to showcase the work of the Manx Ark Project at the Southern Show and encourage the protection of these valuable breeds for the next 100 years.”
 
Maxine Cannon, General Manager, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins said: “We are delighted to play our part in raising awareness of this important initiative to our worldwide collector base. The Manx Ark Project is a further example of the huge importance which our farming community place on protecting fauna for future generations.”  
 
To view the Rare Breeds miniature sheet and to pre-order please click here - https://www.iompost.com/stamps-coins/collection/the-manx-ark-rare-breeds-miniature-sheet/.
 
Photo - Sarah Comish of the Southern District Agricultural Society and Paul Davis of the Manx Ark Project.