The iconic Red Squirrel is to appear on the new 2-pence piece, The Royal Mint has confirmed.
Last week The Royal Mint announced that all 8 British currency coins are to be re-designed to show animals, flowers and fauna found across the United Kingdom. They will replace the shield formation of coins introduced during the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II back in 2008.
The Hazel Dormouse, the Oak tree leaf and the national flowers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also feature on the new coins.
The Isle of Wight is one of the only places in the country where you can find Red Squirrels living natively and the Island remains a stronghold, despite the increase of American Grey Squirrels since their introduction to the country back in the 1870s. Earlier this month it was reported that a new plan to support Reds is being launched locally.
The move away from coins dominated by heraldry is a big change and reinforces the message of conservation – not only in the UK – but across the globe. King Charles III has personally approved of the designs, all of which honour his love of nature and conservation.
The Mint expects that the 1st new coins will enter circulation by the end of 2023, with the new designs set to co-circulate for a time with the coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II.
Yet many establishments on the Island refuse to accept cash.
Come on Pearl Centre, Shanklin Chine,
Wightlink onboard Cafe’s and any other island
Establishments who refuse to accept cash
How can you say NO to a red squirrel!.
Establishments suspected of money laundering should be banned from handling cash imo
Yeah, why bother with the hassle of accepting credit and debit cards when you can just pop down to your local bank branch with your takings at the end of the day.
Oh, wait. . .
I thought I once saw a grey squirrel on the Island… but it turned out to be a cow.