In a significant shift from tradition, the Bank of England has announced that future banknotes will feature British wildlife instead of historical figures. This decision comes as part of an effort to enhance security against counterfeiting while simultaneously celebrating the nation’s natural heritage. The public will have the opportunity to influence the selection of animals and birds that will grace the new notes, marking a notable departure from a practice that has defined British currency for over fifty years.
A New Era for Currency Design
The Bank of England’s chief cashier, Victoria Cleland, articulated that the primary motivation behind introducing a new series of banknotes is to bolster counterfeit resilience. However, this initiative also serves as a chance to highlight various aspects of British culture, with nature emerging as a particularly favoured theme. In a public consultation that garnered 44,000 responses, 60% identified wildlife as their preferred subject for banknote imagery, surpassing other themes such as architecture (56%) and historical figures (38%).
The new designs will phase out the use of well-known historical personalities, such as Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, J.M.W. Turner, and Alan Turing, who currently adorn the £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes. Controversies surrounding the previous choices—particularly the lack of representation for women and ethnic minorities—have prompted the Bank to explore a more universally appealing motif.
Selection Process and Expert Panel
An expert panel has been assembled to curate a shortlist of wildlife candidates for the upcoming banknotes. This group includes prominent wildlife filmmakers and presenters like Gordon Buchanan and Miranda Krestovnikoff, as well as representatives from Ulster Wildlife. Academic experts Steve Ormerod and Dawn Scott further contribute to the collective expertise guiding this initiative.
Nadeem Perera, a member of the panel, noted the intrinsic connection between UK wildlife and culture. He stated, “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.”
In a bid to broaden the scope of the designs, the Bank may also consider incorporating elements of the natural environment, such as plants and landscapes, alongside the chosen wildlife. This approach is intended to create a more comprehensive celebration of the UK’s rich biodiversity.
The Public’s Role in the Decision
In the summer, the Bank will open the floor to the public, allowing individuals to vote on which specific wildlife species they would like to see featured on the new banknotes. Notably, domestic pets will be excluded from consideration in order to maintain a focus on native species. This participatory element represents a fresh approach to banknote design, aiming to engage the public in a manner that has rarely been seen before.
The Bank of England’s strategy closely mirrors the successful design principles observed in the Bermuda Monetary Authority’s $5 note, which won the International Bank Note Society’s “Banknote of the Year” award. Featuring vibrant images of marine life and a portrait of King Charles III, this note demonstrates the potential for successful integration of nature into currency design.
Navigating Controversy
The transition to wildlife-themed banknotes is seen as a safer choice for the Bank of England, potentially reducing the chances of public backlash over contentious historical figures. However, the decision to designate the robin as the UK’s favourite bird has sparked some debate, revealing that even the choice of wildlife can be polarising.
The enduring presence of the monarchy on banknotes remains unchanged, as the image of the King will continue to feature prominently alongside the new wildlife themes. This continuity provides a link to the historical context of British currency while modernising its visual appeal.
Why it Matters
This initiative not only marks a pivotal change in the aesthetic and thematic direction of British currency but also reflects a broader societal shift towards valuing nature and biodiversity in public life. By allowing the public to play a role in the selection process, the Bank of England is fostering a sense of community and connection to the landscape that defines the nation. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, this move underscores the importance of celebrating and protecting the natural world, embedding these values within the very fabric of everyday life—our currency.
