Wildlife to replace historical figures on banknotes – and you get a say

The Bank of England announced plans to replace historical figures on its banknotes with images of animals and birds, allowing the public to help choose the new designs. The decision was made to promote the country’s rich wildlife and biodiversity. The public voting process is set to begin in early 2023.

“The Bank of England is committed to reflecting the UK’s diverse heritage on its banknotes,” said a senior official at the Bank. “By featuring wildlife and birds on the new notes, we aim to raise awareness of the country’s rich biodiversity and inspire people to learn more about the natural world.”

The public will be able to submit their suggestions for which animals and birds should appear on the banknotes through an online platform. A panel of experts will then review the submissions and select a shortlist of the most popular and iconic species. The Bank of England will then launch a public vote to determine the final designs for the new notes.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to have their say in shaping the future of our banknotes,” said the senior official. “We believe that featuring wildlife and birds on the new notes will not only be visually appealing but also serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural environment.”

Analysts have praised the Bank of England’s decision to focus on wildlife and biodiversity, saying it reflects the growing global concern for environmental issues. “By incorporating wildlife and birds on the banknotes, the Bank is sending a strong message about the importance of preserving our natural world,” said an environmental analyst. “This could potentially inspire more people to take action and contribute to conservation efforts.”

Once the public voting process is complete, the Bank of England plans to release the new banknotes featuring the selected animals and birds within the next five years. The new notes will be issued alongside the existing ones, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the integrity of the currency.

As the public voting process for the new banknotes begins in early 2023, the Bank of England anticipates a strong response from the public and expects the new designs to be well-received. The inclusion of wildlife and birds on the banknotes is expected to raise awareness of the country’s rich biodiversity and inspire future generations to protect and preserve the natural world.