Hedgehogs worthy banknote winners, rescuers say

Hedgehogs are worthy winners after topping a public vote on which mammals should feature on future Bank of England notes, Sussex wildlife rescuers have said.

The prickly creatures beat red foxes by 15,000 votes, with nearly half a million people taking part in the consultation.

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, based at Whitesmith, near Chiddingly, is currently looking after 10 hedgehogs and said it was no surprise that hedgehogs had captured the public's imagination.

Trevor Weeks, who runs the service, said each hedgehog had its own distinct personality.

"There is nothing like the hedgehog anywhere else in the UK. They're such a unique and individual animal," he said.

"When you watch them and study them, it's amazing how individual every single hedgehog will be, having its own little characteristics, its own little mannerisms."

Vet Jasmin Gregory said the result reflected the affection many people had for the species.

"It's an animal that maybe is struggling a little bit, but people really adore," she said.

She said she hoped the vote would also raise awareness of Britain's native wildlife.

"It's something that we all know is there, but not many of the population have actually seen them, which is quite sad," she added.

Weeks told BBC Politics South East the hedgehog was a fitting symbol of British wildlife.

"I think we should celebrate what is natural within the UK, what makes the UK unique and special and endearing to other people," he said.

"I think the hedgehog would certainly be my choice."

The Bank of England announced the winning designs earlier this month.

The barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog topped the polls in their categories, and the Atlantic puffin was included to celebrate marine life and the coastline and to bring variety to the notes, the Bank said.

It will be the first time since 1970 that the reverse side of bank notes will no longer feature notable figures from history.

Current bank notes include former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, author Jane Austen, artist JMW Turner and mathematician and wartime codebreaker Alan Turing.

The Bank said the "distinct and inspiring" animals would enhance banknote security and showcase the variety of wildlife in the UK.

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