A public vote puts wildlife on the notes
Hedgehogs finished first in a public vote on which mammals should appear on future Bank of England notes, a result that wildlife rescuers in Sussex welcomed. The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, which operates from Whitesmith near Chiddingly, is currently caring for ten hedgehogs and argued the outcome matched the strong feelings the public holds for the species.[S1][S2]
The Bank of England unveiled the winning designs earlier this month. Alongside the European hedgehog, the barn owl and the buff-tailed bumblebee led their respective categories, while the Atlantic puffin was added to represent marine life and the coastline and to give the notes more variety, according to the Bank.[S1]
The change marks the first time since 1970 that the reverse of Bank of England notes will not carry notable historical figures. The current series features former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, novelist Jane Austen, painter JMW Turner and Alan Turing, the mathematician and wartime codebreaker. The Bank has said the animals, which it described as distinctive and inspiring, will also improve note security and highlight the breadth of UK wildlife.[S1]
Rescuers see character in every animal
Trevor Weeks, who leads the rescue service, said the hedgehog has no real equivalent elsewhere in the UK and stands out as a unique and individual creature. Watching and studying them, he added, shows how remarkable it is that every hedgehog develops its own small traits and mannerisms.[S1]
Jasmin Gregory, a vet, said the vote captured the fondness many people feel for a species that may be finding life difficult. She expressed hope that the result would also build awareness of Britain's native wildlife, noting that although people know such animals exist, few have actually seen them, which she called quite sad.[S1]
Weeks made the case for celebrating what is natural within the UK and what gives the country its distinctive, endearing quality in the eyes of others, and said the hedgehog would certainly be his own pick.[S1]
