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Wildlife to Replace History on New UK Currency
9 Jun
Summary
- UK banknotes will feature native wildlife instead of historical figures.
- Nature theme won 60% of votes in a public consultation by Bank of England.
- New notes aim to increase counterfeit resilience and promote wildlife conservation.
The Bank of England is set to replace historical figures on UK banknotes with native wildlife, following a public consultation where 'nature' emerged as the most popular theme. This significant shift garnered 60% of the vote from over 44,000 respondents. The selection process is ongoing, with a public vote currently open to determine the exact plants and animals that will be featured.
The initiative aims to not only celebrate British biodiversity but also to improve banknote security. Experts note that natural elements lend themselves well to developing easily recognizable security features, aiding in counterfeit prevention. This move aligns with trends seen in other European countries, such as Norway and Switzerland, which have also embraced nature on their currencies.
Notable animal and bird candidates for the new notes include the red fox, pine marten, bottlenose dolphin, Atlantic puffin, and white-tailed eagle, among others. The RSPCA has advocated for including less conventionally 'popular' wildlife, like pigeons and foxes, to foster broader appreciation for all species. A final decision on the designs is expected later this year, with the new series slated for introduction.
