London, England (The Bank of England)
My Plan for the Animals on Britain's Banknotes
The Bank of England's next banknotes will show wildlife. There's a shortlist of 18 animals. I've done the matching.
The Bank of England’s next banknotes will show wildlife instead of people from history. The King’s portrait stays. Out of a shortlist of 18 animals, four will be chosen, one for each note. I’ve done the matching.
My Matches
£5: the hedgehog. Small, round and a bit prickly, like loose change.
£10: the puffin. Colorful, cheerful and wonderful on a cliff. A perfect ten.
£20: the red fox. Clever, quick and at home in towns and the countryside. A note that gets around.
£50: the basking shark. The biggest fish in British waters, on the biggest note. Very fitting.
Notes for the Bank
- Please don’t put the hedgehog on the £50. It would curl up every time you tried to spend it.
- The bumblebee deserves something special. It works harder than all of us and never asks for a raise.
- The barn owl is a fine choice, but it would stare at you every time you paid. I’d find that encouraging.
- If there’s a spare corner on any note, I’m available. I’ve been told I’m very rare.
The final four will be announced by the end of the year. I’ll wait by my wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have my say?
The Bank is asking the public until July 3. You can back up to two animals from each group. The Bank makes the final choice.
Who's on the notes now?
Famous figures from history. Soon it will be animals, who have never once complained about a portrait.