Promoting geological heritage through postage stamps

Postage stamps are useful in promoting geological heritage. This concept is explored through an analysis of British and New Zealand stamps, which portray a variety of different types of geological heritage. Coastal, glacial, fluvial and limestone scenery all feature, together with volcanic landforms such as the Giant's Causeway. Other stamps celebrate the work of historically significant figures who have contributed to geology, such as Charles Darwin. The field of palaeontology is represented in stamps, for example, featuring dinosaurs. Others portray economic activities and engineering achievements associated with geology such as oil and gas exploration. Industrial heritage is depicted by stamps featuring, for example, abandoned tin mines, while building stones are represented in stamps of ancient monuments, bridges, cathedrals and domestic architecture. Perhaps subjects for future stamp issues in the UK might draw upon the recently published 100 top geosites list.