Britain’s banknotes could soon feature rats, pigeons and seagulls after the RSPCA seized on the Bank of England’s plan to swap historical portraits for native wildlife — making the case for some of the nation’s least glamorous creatures.
The charity threw its weight behind the redesign but argued that familiar urban animals deserved a place alongside more photogenic species, describing them as “overlooked” and “misunderstood” despite their close relationship with humans.
Geoff Edmond, of the RSPCA, said: “Showcasing our native wildlife on everyday banknotes is a wonderful way to celebrate the animals that we share our towns, cities and countryside with – including the ones who don’t always make the ‘most popular’ lists.
“While some animals are obvious favourites, there are many amazing animals that we see every day that are often overlooked, or misunderstood.
“What about the pigeons who have been our friends for thousands of years, or rats, with their amazing memories, or even gulls, with their amazing levels of intelligence? They are all fascinating wild animals in their own right – and deserve recognition too.”
He added: “Rats have been trained to detect disease and locate landmines, while pigeons played key roles in both World Wars, carrying messages – and we think that’s worth celebrating.”
The wider redesign has drawn sharp criticism, reports the Telegraph. Nigel Farage called it “absolutely crackers” while Sir Ed Davey argued that Sir Winston Churchill deserved “better than being replaced by a badger.”
Familiar faces removed
Churchill is among several iconic figures being phased out. Jane Austen, JMW Turner and Alan Turing — whose likenesses currently grace the £10, £20 and £50 notes — will all make way under the shake-up.
The Bank argued that animal imagery would prove more resistant to counterfeiting while also shining a light on Britain’s natural world. No final decision has been taken on which creatures will appear, with the public set to vote from an expert shortlist later this summer. Household pets have been ruled out.
Early concept images circulated by the Bank showed puffins, stags, robins, red squirrels and golden eagles among the contenders.
