The RSPCA has welcomed the new Chief Cashier for the Bank of England into post – ahead of the rollout of new banknotes featuring some of the nation’s beloved wildlife.
Rhys Phillips, from Baglan, Port Talbot, took up the role of Chief Cashier and Director of Notes on Monday (19 October) – and his role will include delivering high-quality new banknotes into circulation.
Wildlife experts at the charity have enthusiastically welcomed the recent decision of the Bank of England – following public consultation – to incorporate wild animal species onto the paper money it produces.
And the Bank of England recently confirmed that barn owls, buff-tailed bumblebees, hedgehogs and Atlantic puffins have been chosen to feature on the notes.
RSPCA Wildlife Policy Officer Rebecca Machin said: “We warmly welcome Rhys Phillips to his new role as Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, at a time that is clearly a great opportunity for nature and animals – with our nation’s beloved wildlife set to play a big part in his new role.”
“We are incredibly excited to work alongside him and the Bank of England on the upcoming rollout of these new banknotes, and we look forward to collaborating on ways we can celebrate the wonderful wildlife featured on our nation’s currency as these designs come to life.”
The signature of the newly-appointed Chief Cashier will appear on banknotes – meaning it will soon be printed alongside iconic images of the chosen owls, bees, hedgehogs and puffins.
Wildlife welfare experts recently released ‘fun facts’ to the public about the animals they’ll soon all be seeing a lot more of in their wallets and purses – and hopes their inclusion on the currency will act as a daily reminder of the little things people can do themselves to help wild animals and nature.
The animal welfare charity previously called for some of the UK’s “less-loved” wildlife – including gulls, pigeons and rats – to get their moment in the spotlight, saying these banknotes could help challenge perceptions of wild animals that are too often misunderstood.
And the RSPCA is “sparing a thought” for foxes – who came fourth in the Bank of England’s public vote, but won’t be included on the new fivers, tenners, £20 and £50 notes.
However, the charity still hopes the new notes could be a game changer in the understanding and awareness the public have about wild animals.
Rebecca added: “This process marks a real opportunity to further cement wildlife into public consciousness – with millions of people soon to be carrying a physical reminder about wildlife in their pockets, purses and wallets every day.
“We now urge institutions and stakeholders across the country to leverage the future launch of new banknotes to work with the RSPCA, to ensure this exciting decision has a long-lasting and profound impact for the nation’s nature and wildlife, and the welfare of all kinds of species.”
More information on the RSPCA’s work with wildlife is available on the charity’s website.
