British Wildlife To Replace Historical Figures On Next Series Of Bank Of England Banknotes Public To Have Say On Designs

British Wildlife to Replace Historical Figures on Next Series of Bank of England Banknotes Public to Have Say on Designs

The Bank of England has unveiled plans for a major redesign of its banknotes that will see British wildlife replace traditional historical figures on the reverse side of future notes and ordinary members of the public will be invited to help choose which animals, plants and natural scenes appear. Historically, figures from Britain’s past including writers, scientists and wartime leaders have featured on £5, £10, £20 and £50 banknotes for more than 50 years. That era is now drawing to a close as the central bank moves to a nature‑themed series following strong public support in a July 2025 consultation on possible themes for the next set of notes. In that consultation, which drew more than 44,000 responses, the theme of wildlife and nature emerged as the most popular, selected by around 60 % of respondents ahead of categories such as architecture and landmarks (56 %) and notable historical figures (38 %). Under the Bank’s proposal, the future series of banknotes will maintain a portrait of the monarch on the front, but the traditional practice of depicting celebrated people from history on the reverse will be replaced by images of native British wildlife, including animals, birds and potentially plants and landscapes. Notes will not include household pets. Officials say the new theme offers benefits beyond aesthetics. Victoria Cleland, Chief Cashier at the Bank of England, said wildlife imagery will help make notes harder to counterfeit while also allowing them to “showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife”. A second public consultation is planned for this summer to gather views on which specific species and natural scenes should be featured on the banknotes. A panel of wildlife experts including broadcasters, conservationists and academics has been tasked with drawing up a shortlist of potential wildlife subjects for public input. The Bank said it will take several years to design, test and print the new series of banknotes, as currency production is a complex, multi‑year process. The next generation of notes is expected to incorporate the latest anti‑counterfeiting technology and remain resilient, accessible and secure for public use. The consultation initiative also reflects broader changes in how nations approach symbols of national identity. While the Bank notes have featured monarchs since Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait first appeared in 1960, historical figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and Alan Turing will no longer be the focus of reverse designs under the forthcoming series. Critics of the change have voiced concerns that removing historical figures removes opportunities to celebrate Britain’s historical legacy, while supporters argue that wildlife imagery celebrates another important facet of the nation and fosters broader public engagement in the design of the country’s currency.