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The Bank of England announced that its upcoming series of banknotes will feature British wildlife instead of the historical figures that have adorned the currency for over half a century. The change aims to celebrate the natural heritage of the UK while also enhancing the security of the banknotes against counterfeiting. The Bank has emphasized that wildlife imagery offers a fresh, harder-to-replicate approach compared to past designs.
A panel of wildlife experts has been assembled to compile a shortlist of animals and birds from across Britain. This list will then be presented to the public to help decide which species will be showcased. Although the Bank’s governor will have the final say, it is expected that the new notes will not be introduced for several years. Victoria Cleland, the Bank’s chief cashier whose signature appears on the currency, explained that the primary motivation for launching a new note series is improving counterfeit resistance. She also pointed out that it presents “an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK.”
Public feedback played a significant role in the decision to move away from historical figures. During a consultation involving 44,000 respondents, nature emerged as the most favored theme, chosen by 60% of participants. This preference surpassed other potential themes such as architecture and landmarks at 56%, historical figures at 38%, and arts, culture, and sport at 30%. A diverse group of specialists is responsible for guiding the selection process, including wildlife filmmakers and presenters Gordon Buchanan, Miranda Krestovnikoff, and Nadeem Perera, as well as representatives from conservation and academic institutions.
Nadeem Perera highlighted the cultural significance of wildlife in the UK by stating, “The wildlife of the UK is not separate from our culture. It sits in our football crests, our folklore, our coastlines and our childhoods. Giving it space on something as symbolic as our currency feels both overdue and significant.” While monarchs have been a constant presence on Bank of England notes since 1960 and will remain so, historical figures on the reverse side have at times sparked debate. The current banknotes feature Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing. Past concerns have included the lack of diversity among these figures, with none being from Black or ethnic minority backgrounds, aside from Queen Elizabeth II. By shifting to wildlife, the Bank might avoid similar controversies, though choices such as the robin, named the UK’s favorite bird, have not been without their critics.
The public will be invited to participate once more this summer, selecting their preferred wildlife from the shortlist for the new banknote designs. It is important to note that household pets will not be included among potential choices. The final notes may also feature other natural elements like native plants and landscapes to enrich the design further. The Bank appears inspired by the success of Bermuda Monetary Authority’s $5 note, which recently won the International Bank Note Society’s award for the best banknote of the year. That note is noted for its vibrant imagery of marine life and natural scenery alongside a profile of King Charles III, combining artistic appeal with symbolism—a benchmark the Bank of England may hope to emulate with its own wildlife-themed currency
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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