RSPCA issue mocked-up banknotes after nature-theme confirmed

The RSPCA has released mock-ups of how banknotes featuring the nation’s more undervalued wild animals could look – after the Bank of England announced wildlife will feature on its next series of paper money.

Wildlife experts at the animal welfare charity have welcomed the Bank of England’s announcement – and say showcasing native wildlife on banknotes is a “wonderful way to celebrate the animals that we share our towns, cities and countryside with.”

And now the charity has released examples of what notes could look like if they featured some of the country’s more “under-appreciated” animals (see image above).

The “bit of fun” mock-up money – released with permission of the Bank of England – sees the Bank’s distinctive £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes reimagined with pigeons, foxes, gulls and rats.

But the RSPCA hopes they’ll help “encourage discussion” about the nation’s wildlife, how we can protect different species, and the unique role they play in our communities.

Geoff Edmond, RSPCA wildlife expert, said: “These notes are a bit of fun, but we hope they will bring to life how our money could look when celebrating the wild animals we share our towns, cities and countryside with.

“These new banknotes are not only a great opportunity to showcase our native wildlife in a really visible way – but to think about the many amazing animals that we see every day that are often overlooked, or misunderstood.

“Pigeons, foxes, gulls and rats often split opinion – and are even unfairly labelled as pests by some. But they are all fascinating wild animals in their own right – and deserve recognition too.”

Members of the public will now get a say on which animals feature on the new banknotes – with a consultation planned for the summer months.

Geoff added: “The consultation will be a great opportunity to have a big discussion about nature and wildlife, change perceptions of some species, and develop the nation’s collective love and fondness for wildlife of all shapes and sizes.”