Never mind developing their respective sustainability strategies, retailers will have nature in their hands in the coming years when the next series of UK banknotes is released.
The Bank of England announced this month that images of the UK’s wildlife are to feature on the notes after this theme received the highest proportion of nominations during a public consultation.
According to the Bank, which says the release of the new notes is several years away, wildlife images will be effective for developing banknotes with security features that are easy for the public to recognise and distinguish.
A second consultation this summer is set to take place to gather the public’s views on the specific wildlife they would like to feature on the next series of banknotes. Plants and landscapes may also feature to complete the design – and a panel of wildlife experts from across the UK will help to develop a list of wildlife for the public to choose from.
Reflecting on the public consultation, Victoria Cleland, chief cashier at the Bank of England, commented: “The response underlines how important banknotes remain to people.
“The key driver for introducing a new banknote series is always to increase counterfeit resilience, but it also provides an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK. Nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective and means we can showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes.”
Gordon Buchanan, a wildlife filmmaker and cameraman, and a member of the panel helping present the design options, remarked: “Nature is more than just scenery, it is the living thread that binds our landscapes, our history, and our future together.
“To protect nature is to protect the quiet, resilient heartbeat of the land itself.”
Nadeem Perera, wildlife broadcaster and another panellist, added: “The wildlife of the UK is not separate from our culture.
“It sits in our football crests, our folklore, our coastlines and our childhoods. Giving it space on something as symbolic as our currency feels both overdue and significant.”
Images of nature were the selected theme for the new banknotes, ahead of the other five options: notable historical figures; architecture and landmarks; arts, culture and sport; noteworthy milestones; and innovation.
It highlights the public’s engagement with nature and the environment – as 60% of the 44,000 responses chose it as one of their preferred themes.
Other experts on the panel helping shape the next consultation are: Katy Bell, senior conservation officer at Ulster wildlife; Miranda Krestovnikoff, wildlife broadcaster; Steve Ormerod from Cardiff University; and Dawn Scott from Nottingham Trent University.
The next series of banknotes will also feature a portrait of the monarch.
James Harris, managing director at cash handling company Volumatic, said: “Any update to UK banknotes is significant for the retail sector, particularly when it comes to security and day-to-day cash handling.
“The introduction of new designs, alongside enhanced anti-counterfeiting features, is a positive step but it also means retailers will need to ensure their cash handling equipment is fully prepared.”
Read more about retailers and nature protection on Green Retail World
[image credit: Volumatic]
