The Bank of England has announced that its next banknotes will feature wildlife, not famous people. For over 50 years writers, scientists and leaders have been on £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. Now the bank wants to celebrate the UKs nature with animals and birds on notes.
The Bank of England says wildlife images can be more detailed and harder to copy which may help stop counterfeiting. The new theme will also let the banknotes show the UKs beauty and biodiversity.
* Before the final designs are chosen experts will make a shortlist of animals and birds.
*Public will then vote on which ones they like.
* The Bank of Englands governor will make the decision.
* The process will take time so new banknotes may not be in circulation for years.
Victoria Cleland, the Banks cashier said improving security is the main reason for new banknotes.. She also said it’s a chance to celebrate the UK and nature was the most popular choice in public consultations. 44,000 people took part in the consultation and around 60% chose nature. Other options like architecture, famous people, arts, innovation and milestones were less popular. Know More
Some UK banks already feature wildlife on their notes. For example Royal Bank of Scotland notes have animals like mackerel, otters and osprey. The panel choosing the wildlife shortlist includes experts like Gordon Buchanan, Miranda Krestovnikoff and Nadeem Perera. Perera said wildlife is closely connected to culture. It’s meaningful to put it on banknotes. Read More
The monarch will still be on the front of notes. Historical figures on the back may disappear. Currently notes feature Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, J.M.W. Turner and Alan Turing. In the past the Bank of England faced criticism about representation on its notes. By choosing wildlife the bank may avoid issues.
This summer, the public will vote for UK wildlife species from an expert shortlist. As a result, the selected animals will appear on future banknotes. The Bank of England hopes that the new notes will be visually appealing and successful, just like Bermuda’s award-winning $5 note. Furthermore, this change marks an important shift in British currency design. Previously, banknotes mainly featured famous historical figures. However, the new design will move away from people and instead celebrate the UK’s natural heritage. Therefore, the Bank of England’s new banknotes will feature wildlife, highlighting the beauty and diversity of British nature.
