The HMS Beagle Project which is hoping to raise £5 million to build a replica of the ship which launched Charles Darwin’s career are launching a series of envelopes to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of his book The Origin of Species.

The project was set up to build a fully-functioning replica of the ship in which Darwin made his historic voyage of discovery and will carry a new generation of scientists taking part in research and education programmes.

Some of the envelopes will be signed by Sir Robin Knox Johnston, the first person to sail singlehandedly non-stop around the world and Patron of the Trust. A limited number will be signed by Round the World Yachtswoman Dame Ellen McArthur. We’re hoping that sales of our covers will help to raise funds for the project.

The limited edition envelopes feature the Darwin stamps issued by Royal Mail on 12th February 2009. One of the covers will be postmarked on the day of issue in Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, where the Beagle Project is based, the other in Cambridge, where Darwin’s interest in nature was sparked.