Historical figures to be replaced by wildlife on banknotes

Britain’s wildlife will replace historical figures on the next Bank of England banknotes. Members of the public will have a chance to give their opinion on which creatures will appear.  According to the Bank, images of wildlife would be both a celebration of nature while also make the banknotes harder to counterfeit.

It makes the end for what has at times been a controversial decision on which historical figures appear on the £5, £10, £20, and £50 for over half a century. A panel of experts will create a wildlife shortlist, with the public having a chance to give their opinion. The final decision will be made by the governor of the Bank of England but it may be several years before the new banknotes are in circulation.

“The key driver for introducing a new banknote series is always to increase counterfeit resilience, but it also provides an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK,” the Bank’s chief cashier, Victoria Cleland, whose signature appears on notes said.

Nature was the single most popular theme among the 44,000 responses to a public consultation and focus groups on the future of the country’s banknotes. 60% chose it as their first theme, followed by architecture and landmarks at 56%. Historical figures came third at 38%, followed by arts, culture, and sports at 30%, innovation at 23%, and noteworthy milestones at 19%, according to the Bank.

Banknotes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland already feature wildlife including mackerel, otters, red squirrels, and osprey.

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