Our members votes were inspired by a mix of wanting to increase recognition for species, showing the diversity of British wildlife and simply loving the species. It was great to hear what NWT members think about the wildlife that could be represented on British banknotes! As one NWT member said: ‘All 3 of my selections signifies what is magical about UK wildlife, the enigmatic hare, the fleeting glimpses we see of the kingfisher on our rivers and the much-predated salmon. These are what (to me) makes wildlife special in this country.’

Read on to find out which species NWT members think should be on British banknotes, as well as a chance to find out more about these wonderful creatures and where you can see them for yourself in Norfolk.

Brown hare

The iconic brown hare got an impressive 61% of the vote from our members for the mammal category, beating the red fox, European hedgehog, pine marten, grey seal and bottlenose dolphin to the top spot.

Thought to have been introduced into the UK in Roman times, the brown hare is now considered naturalised. It is most common on open farmland, in grassland habitats and at woodland edges, favouring a mosaic of arable fields, grasses and hedgerows. When disturbed, hares can be seen bounding away across fields, using their powerful hind legs to propel them forwards, often in a zigzag pattern. Brown hares are at their most visible in early spring when the breeding season encourages fighting or 'boxing'.

Where to see brown hares in Norfolk
NWT Weeting Heath and NWT Roydon Common both offer large areas of grassland and heath habitat, exactly the type of open ground hares prefer.

European hedgehog

Coming runner up with 38% of our members’ votes in the mammal category was the European hedgehog, one of the UK’s most familiar wild animals. 

These nocturnal mammals can be spotted in parks and gardens, where bushes provide the perfect daytime hiding place or nesting spot. They love long grass full of insects to feast on once the sun has set. Hedgehogs eat all kinds of invertebrates, as well as amphibians, birds' eggs, and just about anything else they can catch. Hedgehogs hibernate over winter, from about November to April. They survive on their stored fat until spring, when it's time for them to become active again.

Where to see hedgehogs in Norfolk
Gardens are the best place to spot this spiney creature – provide a good environment and they’ll appear! Find out how to make your gardens a great place for hedgehogs here.

Barn owl

Winning the NWT members vote for the bird category with 57% of the votes was the beautiful barn owl, going up against the great spotted woodpecker, puffin, white-tailed eagle, kingfisher and curlew. 

This familiar owl is usually spotted at dawn or dusk over farmland and grassland, flying back and forth as it searches for its next small-mammal meal. It is also perfectly adapted to hunt with deadly precision in the dark of night: combined with their stealthy and silent flight, their heart-shaped faces direct high-frequency sounds, enabling them to find mice and voles in the vegetation.

Throughout history, barn owls have been known by many nicknames, but the name 'demon owl', in particular, illustrates how they were considered by some rural populations – something not so difficult to understand when you hear their piercing shrieks and hissing calls.

Where to see barn owls in Norfolk
Barn owls are regularly seen at NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes and NWT Cley and Salthouse Marshes, both of which provide the open grassland full of tasty snacks perfect for barn owls to hunt in. Please be aware that reserves close at dusk – however barn owls are also often seen hunting in the daytime, particularly after a rainy night, giving you a good chance to spot one!

Kingfisher

In second place for the bird category was the stunning kingfisher, with 28% of our members’ votes. 

The kingfisher is a colourful bird of rivers and streams. It's often heard before it's seen, giving a high-pitched piping call as it flies. It can sometimes be spotted sitting quietly on low-hanging branches over the water, tilting its head as it searches for prey. When it spots a small fish, it dives into the water to catch it, bringing its prize back to its perch to eat. It often bashes the fish against the branch a few times before swallowing it. Kingfishers nest in burrows that they dig into river banks. The burrow can be over a metre long!

Where to see kingfishers in Norfolk
Kingfisher are often seen from the hide at NWT Ranworth Broad all year round. During the summer, our floating visitor centre gives you a great vantage point over the water where they hunt. 

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Winning the broad category of amphibians, insects and fish for NWT members was the adorable buff-tailed bumblebee with 52% of the vote – going up against the common frog, marsh fritillary butterfly, Atlantic salmon, basking shark and emperor dragonfly.

Buff-tailed bumblebees are one of our biggest bumblebees, as well as one of the first to emerge in early spring. They love all types of flowers but especially open, daisy-like flowers, where they can more easily reach the nectar with their short tongues. They nest underground in large groups of up to 600 bees, often using old mammal nests. Buff-tailed bumblebees are known as ‘nectar robbers’: if they come across a flower that is too deep for their tongue, they bite a hole at its base and suck out the nectar. Afterward, other insects looking for nectar will also use this handy hole.

Where to see buff-tailed bumblebees in Norfolk
Buff-tailed bumblebees can be found across the county, from gardens and field margins to nature reserves like NWT Weeting Heath or NWT Roydon Common, both of which are rich in blooming wildflowers, gorse and heather.

Emperor dragonfly

Runner-up in the category was the impressive emperor dragonfly, winning 33% of NWT members’ votes. 

The emperor dragonfly is a very large, impressive dragonfly that can be on the wing as early as April. It is a common species of large ponds and lakes, as well as canals and ditches, but is rarely found away from water. The female lays her eggs in floating pondweed. One of the largest dragonfly species in Europe, the emperor dragonfly flies up high to look for insect-prey, such as butterflies or even smaller dragonflies. It catches its prey in mid-air and may eat it on the wing.

Where to see emperor dragonflies in Norfolk
One of the best sites to see dragonflies in the county, NWT Upton Broad often records emperor dragonflies visiting its wetlands and open water. Closer to Norwich, NWT Thorpe Marshes’ flower-rich marshes crossed with dykes support many dragonfly species, including the emperor dragonfly.

Become a Norfolk Wildlife Trust member

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