Bank of England Reveals New Banknote Animals
BBC News reports that the Bank of England has chosen four animals to feature on future banknotes:
The Chosen Creatures
- Atlantic Puffin (celebrating marine life and the coastline)
- Barn Owl
- Buff-tailed Bumblebee (the clear winner with nearly 90,000 more votes than the barn owl)
- European Hedgehog (most popular in the mammals category)
These creatures were selected from a shortlist of 18 animals put forward to public nominations, receiving over 2.5 million votes. The Bank aims to enhance the security of banknotes with these new designs, which will also showcase the UK's diverse wildlife.
The buff-tailed bumblebee and the European hedgehog are set to appear on £5 and £20 notes, respectively, while the barn owl and Atlantic puffin will grace the £10 and £50 denominations. The monarch will still be featured on the reverse side of all banknotes.
This transition from historical figures to wildlife marks a significant change, sparking debates among politicians. The Bank emphasizes that these animals represent "four distinct and inspiring creatures" that add variety and accessibility to the notes while incorporating cutting-edge security features.