FROM PLANTLIFE - IT DOES MATTER WHAT WE SHOULD SEE ON OUR BANKNOTES

Have you seen the new designs? View this email in your browser Donate Join Shop Hi John, Have you seen the shortlisted wildlife set to appear on future banknotes? They're all over the news this morning, and wildlife is in for a win with 18 animals and insects featured - but something is missing. Plants and fungi are the foundation of all life on Earth, but yet again, they've been overlooked. We're so excited to see British wildlife being given the chance to appear on our banknotes. But out of 18 beautiful designs, not one is based on one of our wonderful wild plants or fantastic fungi. Explore our native wild plants and fungi Why Does it Matter What is on Our Banknotes? The Bank of England said the “shortlisted animals demonstrate the rich variety of wildlife we have to celebrate in the UK”. But that leaves out a vital part of our environment, history and heritage. Shortlisted designs feature the Common Frog, Marsh Fritillary Butterfly, Grey Seal and the Red Fox. This selection, while amazing, risks a huge part of our story being forgotten. Plants and fungi are vital for our farmers, they're the cornerstone of our modern medicine, they're what we take pride in in our gardens and green spaces. They're a part of us in every way possible from what we eat to how we breathe. They're also vital for our animals and insects, including those featured in the new designs. Without Devil's-bit Scabious we wouldn't have the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly, Puffins and plants like Sea Thrift go hand-in-hand and without long grasslands, Barn Owls couldn't survive. We need the full picture. And, wouldn’t a £20 Devil's-bit Scabious or £10 Sea Thrift look brilliant? The Bank of England has said the central images will be complemented with additional elements from wildlife and nature. But we don't think plants and fungi should be an afterthought – just a background to the ‘central’ images. To tell the full story of the UK's natural heritage, we need a more complete and representative picture of nature. Which is your favourite species? We know our amazing supporters will agree that plants and fungi are just as big a part of our picture as animals. We hope to see this reflected with the new banknotes. Thank you. Charley Adams, Plantlife Nature Editor Follow Plantlife on: Instagram Instagram Facebook Facebook YouTube YouTube LinkedIn LinkedIn Website Website Copyright © Plantlife All rights reserved. Plantlife International is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered Charity in England and Wales (1059559) & Scotland, (SC038951) Registered Company in England and Wales (3166339) Registered Office: Brewery House,36 Milford Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2AP, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1722 342730 enquiries@plantlife.org.uk www.plantlife.org.uk Plantlife respects your privacy. You can read more about how and why we use your personal data at www.plantlife.org.uk/privacy-notice Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.