Four much-loved British animals are heading for the nation’s wallets. Euronews reports that the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog have been chosen to appear on the next series of Bank of England banknotes.
The animals will take over the reverse of the notes from the historical figures shown today. The idea came from the public: a 2025 consultation drew 44,000 responses, with nature the most popular theme at 60 per cent. A panel that included wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan and presenter Nadeem Perera then drew up a shortlist of 18 species, and nearly half a million people voted.
The Bank has yet to decide which creature goes on which note, and the monarch’s portrait stays. Designing, testing and printing will take a few years. Sustainability consultant Ali Fisher told Euronews it was “a beautiful opportunity to put biodiversity literally in all our hands.” Scottish notes already carry otters, mackerel and red squirrels.
Source: Euronews