Wildlife Set to Replace Politicians on New UK Banknotes
The Bank of England has confirmed that native British wildlife will be featured on the next series of £5, £10, £20, and £50 banknotes, marking a significant shift from traditional portraits of historical figures. While politicians such as Nigel Farage and Ed Davey have expressed outrage over replacing icons like Winston Churchill and Jane Austen with animals, public consultations indicate strong support for the change. Regularly updating note designs is also a strategic measure to combat counterfeiting.
Expert Panel to Shortlist Candidates for Public Vote
A panel comprising wildlife broadcasters and academics will compile a shortlist of species, with a public vote scheduled for later this summer. Early favourites include beloved garden animals like hedgehogs and robins, as well as striking predators such as barn owls. In Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland already features species like mackerel and otters on its notes, setting a precedent for wildlife representation.
Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, advocates for highlighting extinct species successfully reintroduced to England, such as the white-tailed eagle and large blue butterfly. Meanwhile, the RSPCA has called for inclusion of less fashionable wildlife, including feral pigeons and brown rats, to promote broader conservation awareness.
Guardian's Expert Recommendations for Banknote Designs
In a spirit of championing underdogs, the Guardian convened its own expert panel to propose wild candidates for the new notes, each with unique conservation messages.
£5 Note: Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Nominated by Chris Packham: Foxes are bold, successful predators frequently encountered across urban and rural landscapes. Despite enduring centuries of persecution, they thrive and spark divisive opinions—loved by many on social media yet still targeted by illegal hunting. Featuring the red fox on banknotes could ignite crucial conversations about wildlife valuation and treatment, shifting focus from popular species like hedgehogs to those facing challenges.
£10 Note: Common Toad (Bufo bufo)
Nominated by Lucy Lapwing: Toads, often dismissed for their warty appearance and damp habitats, possess a unique beauty with golden, molten-like eyes. Their confident demeanor, backed by bufotoxin defenses, makes them relatable. With UK populations declining by up to 70%, toads need public support, such as through toad patrols. Lapwing humorously notes that currency worldwide often features "toad-like" male politicians, so why not showcase the real thing? A toad's weight parallels ten £1 coins, making it a fitting symbol for the tenner.
£20 Note: Beaver (Castor fiber)
Nominated by Isabella Tree: Beavers are keystone species that transform landscapes, providing flood prevention, water storage, and biodiversity restoration. Reintroduced to England after 500 years, they create vibrant ecosystems and exhibit endearing behaviors, such as grooming and dam-building. While management plans address potential conflicts with agriculture, beavers symbolize nature restoration and joy, making them a popular choice for banknotes.
£50 Note: Swift (Apus apus)
Nominated by Hannah Bourne-Taylor: Swifts herald summer with their aerial acrobatics and are deeply intertwined with human structures for nesting. As globetrotters that sleep in the sky, they face decline and need celebration to prevent extinction. Their silhouette is instantly recognisable, and they have been celebrated by figures from Shakespeare to King Charles, winning the RSPB's Bird of the Year with 81% of the public vote. Featuring swifts on banknotes could enhance the currency's value by highlighting their irreplaceable role in nature.
Conclusion: A New Era for UK Currency
This initiative represents a transformative step in UK currency design, prioritising wildlife conservation over political imagery. By featuring species like foxes, toads, beavers, and swifts, the Bank of England aims to foster public engagement and awareness about native biodiversity. The upcoming public vote will finalise which animals grace the notes, potentially setting a global precedent for integrating environmental themes into everyday finance.
