On May 5, 2022, the Swiss Post issued a series of postage stamps "Swiss Parks".

The series dedicated to Swiss parks was launched in 2021 and continued into 2022 with four new stamps. In total, 20 nature parks of national importance are registered in Switzerland. Four of them: the Beverin Nature Park, Doubs Nature Park, Gantrisch Nature Park and the Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park are featured on this year's postage stamps.

Swiss nature parks highlight the richness of the flora and fauna in different regions of the country and the diversity of natural landscapes. In addition, nature parks are also part of the country's cultural heritage. They do not exist in isolation, but are an integral part of each particular region and play an important role in its cultural and economic life. Swiss nature parks help preserve the best examples of wildlife, while contributing to the sustainable development of the regions and their cultural characteristics.

Graphic designer Pierre-Abraham Rochat, in his own laconic, yet expressive style, has perfectly conveyed the beauty and originality of Swiss natural parks on stamps. These little corners of Switzerland are home to countless tiny wonders of the world. All of them are waiting to be uncovered, seen and appreciated for their beauty, even if only via the medium of the postage stamp.

The valleys of the Beverin Nature Park cover an area of 370 sq. km., the dominant of the local landscape being Mount Beverin, located in the center of the park. Majestic natural landscapes, loosely scattered small settlements and well-preserved urban landscapes, typically characteristic, make up the cultural diversity of Beverin Nature Park.

The Gantrisch Natural Park consists of forest, gorges and the unique Gantrisch mountain range. Nature lovers will find endless woods, idyllic fields and deep canyons. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy stunning views, observe wild animals in their natural habitat and explore the local flora. And every year there is a festive procession of cattle returning from the meadows of the Gantrisch Range.

The Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park has unique natural and cultural features. It is the Rhine Valley, the southern slopes of the Randen plateau, small valleys and extensive vineyards that define this region. Numerous unique villages and towns with half-timbered houses, typical of the region, are picturesquely scattered over the hills and valleys.

And finally, Doubs Natural Park. The name of the park comes from the river Doubs which runs along it. For 40 km, it forms the natural border of the park with the French department of the same name. In the south of the park, stretching for 378 km, are the Freiberg mountains with their typical landscapes of forests and meadows. The Doubs Natural Park is of undoubted interest for all lovers of horses and equestrian sport. In this park you can get acquainted with the only national horse breed in Switzerland - the Freiberger. These wonderful horses can be seen in their natural habitat as they roam freely through wooded pastures.

The natural features of the Freiberge plateau, located at an altitude of a good 1000 meters above sea level, with its extensive pastures and forests but rather harsh climate, shaped the character and characteristics of the Freiberger horse. These are strong animals, unpretentious and balanced, which very easily adapt to the various conditions, which facilitates their training and upkeep.

There are several breeding farms within the territory of the natural park, where about 4,000 Freiberger horses are kept. These proud, semi-wild horses have become excellent companions for the freedom-loving inhabitants of the Jura region. Some farms can be visited to get up close and personal with the horses and learn more about the breed. The park regularly hosts various events and festivals dedicated to the Freiberger horse.

Source: www.post.ch, parcdoubs.ch