THE BANK OF ENGLAND’S plan to put wildlife on future banknotes has been welcomed by the RSPCA — but the charity says some of Britain’s most overlooked animals should not be forgotten.

The Bank has launched an 18-animal shortlist, covering mammals, birds, amphibians, insects and fish, with the public invited to help choose which species should appear on future £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes.

The RSPCA said the move could become a “celebration of wildlife” and a chance to remind people of the need to protect nature.

Dr Ros Clubb, Head of Wild Animals at the RSPCA, said: “Banknotes featuring our native wildlife will be a real cause for celebration.

“It is a great opportunity to not only showcase Britain’s amazing wildlife, but — in carrying pictures of wild animals in our wallets and purses every day — to remind us all of our own responsibilities to nature and the world around us.”

The charity said its 2025 Animal Kindness Index found that 73% of people were worried about the future of UK wildlife, with protecting wildlife emerging as the top priority for the RSPCA to address.

But the RSPCA has also urged the Bank of England to think again about some of the animals that did not make the shortlist.

The charity has released mock-up examples showing how banknotes could look if they featured gulls, rats, pigeons and badgers — species it describes as under-appreciated but important parts of British wildlife.

Dr Clubb added: “It’s great that the Bank of England has pulled together a diverse shortlist — from hedgehogs to foxes, frogs to kingfishers, and dragonflies to salmon — although we would love to see more animal underdogs make the cut.

“Gulls, badgers, rats and pigeons all divide opinion — but this would have been a great opportunity to discuss these fantastic animals.

“They’re all amazing in their own right. Pigeons, with their war hero history; gulls, who are dedicated to their families and their co-parenting responsibilities; rats, who are incredibly empathetic and intelligent; and the badger, the master architect of a network of underground cities.”

The charity also said it would have liked to see one of the UK’s six native reptile species included, saying many people remain unaware of the snakes and lizards found across the country.

The RSPCA plans to respond formally to the Bank of England consultation as part of its wider Summer of Kindness campaign, which encourages small actions to help animals and wildlife.

AN ANNUAL Rotary duck race and pig roast brought crowds to Cresswell Quay on Friday (May 29), with organisers hailing the evening a success.

The event, organised by Narberth and Whitland Rotary, saw yellow ducks released onto the water as spectators gathered along the quay to watch the race unfold.

Perfect conditions

ORGANISERS said the tide and weather “could not have been better” for the popular community event.

Families enjoyed a relaxed evening of entertainment, food and fundraising, with Bat-A-Rat proving popular with youngsters while adults enjoyed a pig roast, with pork provided by Tom at Andrew Rees Butchers.

Live music from Jack Castle added to the atmosphere as people gathered at the riverside venue.

Thanks to supporters

JOHN Sleigh, of Narberth and Whitland Rotary, thanked everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success.

He said: “What a fantastic evening. The tide and weather could not have been better for the annual Rotary Duck Race and Pig Roast at Cresswell Quay.

“We thank you all for being there and making the event such a success.”

PEMBROKESHIRE is preparing to play a central role in one of Wales’ biggest cultural events, with this year’s National Eisteddfod y Garreg Las now moving firmly into view.

Broadcaster and presenter Mari Grug has been announced as President of the 2026 Eisteddfod, which will open on Saturday, August 1.

The event is expected to bring thousands of visitors to west Wales, with Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and surrounding communities set to be at the heart of the celebrations.

Mari, who was brought up on a farm in Mynachlog-ddu and educated at Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych, will address the audience from the Pavilion stage during the opening ceremony.

She said: “It’s a great honour. Receiving the invitation was quite a shock, to be honest. I certainly wasn’t expecting it, but those who know me know that the Eisteddfod has always been a huge part of my life.”

Mari is well known to viewers and listeners across Wales through her work on S4C programmes including Heno and Prynhawn Da, as well as Radio Cymru.

She has also presented coverage from major Welsh events including the Urdd Eisteddfod, the Royal Welsh Show and the National Eisteddfod.

The announcement comes as preparations continue for a major event on Friday, June 19, when the Crown and Chair for this year’s Eisteddfod will be presented to the local executive committee.

That evening will also launch celebrations marking 850 years of the National Eisteddfod, with a five-metre-high giant puppet of Lord Rhys, created by Small World Theatre Company, travelling through local towns and villages.

The event will begin at 5:45pm at St Davids Cathedral, before moving to Oriel y Parc for a ceremony marking the start of the celebrations and the unveiling of this year’s Crown and Chair.

The Crown has been designed and made in silver by Elen and Dylan Bowen, the husband-and-wife team behind Bowen Jewellery in Newcastle Emlyn.

The Chair has been designed and crafted by Tomos Lewis and is being donated by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Mari said she hoped to act as an ambassador for the Eisteddfod and encourage more people to visit the Maes.

She added: “I hope I can be some kind of ambassador for the Eisteddfod, and attract more people to come to the Maes to enjoy what I have enjoyed for years.

“The week of Eisteddfod y Garreg Las is certain to be busy. The timetable is already full of events and ceremonies, but hopefully there will also be time to enjoy the week.”

Mari was previously involved when the National Eisteddfod came to St Davids in 2002, when she was the presenter of the flower token.

She said: “It was a wonderful experience to be part of the Eisteddfod the last time it came to the area. That was also a busy week, with Gorsedd ceremonies and competitions — and enjoying ourselves in the evenings.

“I’m looking forward to playing a role again this year, this time as Festival President.”

Mari will also be admitted to Gorsedd Cymru on Friday, August 7, on the Maes at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las.

More information about the Eisteddfod and tickets is available from the official Eisteddfod website.

Caption: Mari Grug has been named President of this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las (Pic: Glyn Rainer).