New Issue: Wild Isle of Man (IOM)

Here's another new issue, Wild Isle of Man. This issue is a set of ten stamps, which are available in this eye-catching miniature sheet. The stamps show island landscapes, wildlife and coastal heritage. They were designed by Andy North, a photographer who is also the author of Wild Guide Isle of Man.

They're not just landscapes though - we see people in all of these stamps interacting with nature and the countryside and enjoying being outdoors in the Isle of Man. Some are walking or enjoying the views, while others are swimming, rowing or surfing. The stamps aren't just showing beautiful local scenes but "great adventures and the good life".

The set is also a tribute to Beach Buddies, a charity that has looked after the Isle of Man coastline for the last 20 years.

The ten stamps show: Climbing North Barrule (93p), Fossils and Flowers (93p), Niarbyl Island (93p), White Beach (93p), Auldyn Waterfall (93p), Cow Harbour (£1.08), Home of Manannan (£1.08), Traie Harstal (£1.08), Heather Stroll (£1.08) and Santon Paddlers (£1.08).

Design Quality - The stamps look really well-designed. The essential design is simple and uncluttered but to avoid repetition the designer has used different coloured bars at the bottom. The photographs are also very different from each other. The photos are sharp and colourful and each stamp feels like a mini postcard. The simplicity of the design and the "uncrowded" look really helps to present the Isle of Man as a peaceful location. I think adding people to the landscape sets these apart and suggests that the Isle of Man isn't just a place that's beautiful but a place where you can go and enjoy yourself. Andy North has done very well here!  9/10

Theme and Subject Choice - It is a very good one. The Isle of Man normally focuses on local places so this isn't new. What is a bit different is how these fantastic locations are presented. The theme is awesome because it’s all combines nature with adventure and exploring. Isle of Man Stamps & Coins could just have asked Andy North to give us ten amazing photographs of these amazing places, but they did something else and made me feel like I want to go there myself and swim under the waterfall or go climbing. So it is a good subject choice that says "This is the Isle of Man - come and visit!" 9/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - These stamps show what the Isle of Man is really like today. It's a place that is peaceful and connected to nature but also a place where you can have a great time. They show how people enjoy the island in different ways. 8/10

Innovation and Creativity - Using real adventure-style photos is a very clever idea. It feels more like Instagram or a travel magazine than a normal stamp sheet. The way all the stamps work together as one big scene makes it feel special and not just a collection of nice images. These are real people and real places. They tell a story. I think the concept is very creative. 9/10

Collectability - These stamps seem quite collectible because they look different from normal landscape stamps. People who like travel, photography or outdoor stuff would probably like these. Since they look modern and well-designed, they’d be a good addition to a lot of people's collections. (They're also way cheaper than Royal Mail's stamps, which helps!) 7/10

Overall score - Do I like these? Yes! They are well-designed, they are focused on fantastic photography (always a plus!) and they make a big statement about the kind of place the Isle of Man is. It really is a great first issue for 2026 from the Isle of Man. 9/10 Overall score - 51/60