Prickly Banknotes?

how are we going to get a hedgehog in it's rightful place?

Did you hear the news? The plans for new designs for banknotes?

ok so this one might not have been signed-off yet, but I think Nick Cope is onto something!

So the Bank of England has decided that the next design for banknotes should feature wildlife … and I want you to have a guess where I am going with this!!!

They were thorough with the process, six themes were put out for consultation:

• notable historical figure

• nature

• architecture and landmarks

• arts, culture and sport

• noteworthy milestones

• innovation

There were strict criteria - whatever is chosen has to:

• symbolises the UK

• resonates with the public

• is not divisive

• is enduring

• supports banknote authentication

• is consistent with our legal obligations

Focus groups and further consultations proved that of the potential themes, wildlife was the most popular - and now the job is to design them, which means choosing animals …

Have you had any thoughts yet?

Okay - so clearly a hedgehog HAS to be in the mix, but the question is which denomination?? It is the most important creature, we know that, but if it is on a £50 note, how many of us are ever going to see one?

I love the design that the amazing Nick Cope has created - and I think that the £10 is probably a good place for our hog … Nick’s design also benefits from the name of the hedgehog … because that is a hedgehog called Hugh!! And if you have not come across his utterly wonderful song about a hedgehog called Hugh, well, here is your chance to wallow!

While the hedgehog song is special, have a listen to this one … this is my favourite from Nick Cope.

Now, back to the banknotes - how do we go about getting hedgehogs chosen? I don’t know whether there is going to be a national poll - but if there is … you know what to do!!! And if not … well, I think we should be making as much fuss as possible about hedgehogs just get the up the agenda! Are you up for helping?

Maybe we should let the six people who have been chosen to produce a list of potentials for the next stage in the consultation know how we feel …

• Katy Bell, Ulster wildlife

• Gordon Buchanan MBE, wildlife broadcaster

• Miranda Krestovnikoff, wildlife broadcaster

• Steve Ormerod, Cardiff University

• Nadeem Perera, wildlife broadcaster

• Dawn Scott, Nottingham Trent University

Remember, only the kindest words will persuade!

Talking of money - THANK YOU to everyone who has chipped in to help my wife, Zoe, with her fundraising for Mind. You may remember, Iwrote a postabout the suicide of a young friend - and how Zoe was walking 100 miles - hoping to reach £150 … but wow - she is already over £700!!! And is hoping to get to £1000 by the end of the month!

Zoe, with author Caspar Henderson, clocking up some more miles for Mind!

In unrelated news, my neighbour got a puppy. Luna is absurdly cute!