PUBLIC INVITED TO CHOOSE WILDLIFE FOR NEW UK BANKNOTES AS MONTH-LONG VOTE OPENS
PUBLIC INVITED TO CHOOSE WILDLIFE FOR NEW UK BANKNOTES AS MONTH-LONG VOTE OPENS The Bank of England has launched a nationwide consultation inviting the public to help decide which native wildlife species should appear on the next generation of British banknotes, giving people one month to vote on animals that could feature on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. The consultation runs until July 3, 2026, after which the central bank will begin selecting four species for the redesigned currency. The initiative follows a public consultation conducted in 2025, during which “nature” emerged as the most popular theme for future banknotes. More than 44,000 responses were received, with wildlife and natural heritage receiving stronger support than themes such as architecture, innovation, sports, or historical figures. Under the proposal, iconic historical figures currently featured on British currency including Winston Churchill on the £5 note, Jane Austen on the £10 note, J.M.W. Turner on the £20 note and Alan Turing on the £50 note would eventually be replaced by images of native British wildlife. The portrait of King Charles III will remain on the front of all Bank of England notes. A panel of wildlife experts has shortlisted 18 species, divided into three categories: mammals, birds, and a combined category for amphibians, insects and fish. Members of the public can select up to two species from each category during the consultation.
- Bottlenose Dolphin
- Brown Hare
- European Hedgehog
- Grey Seal
- Pine Marten
- Red Fox
- Atlantic Puffin
- Barn Owl
- Common Kingfisher
- Eurasian Curlew
- Great Spotted Woodpecker
- White-tailed Eagle
- Atlantic Salmon
- Basking Shark
- Buff-tailed Bumblebee
- Common Frog
- Emperor Dragonfly
- Marsh Fritillary Butterfly
According to the Bank of England, the redesign is not only intended to celebrate the country’s biodiversity but also to improve banknote security. Officials said wildlife imagery is particularly effective for incorporating advanced anti-counterfeiting features while maintaining designs that are easy for the public to recognize and distinguish. The proposal has sparked debate across the United Kingdom. Critics argue that removing prominent historical figures from banknotes could diminish public awareness of important national figures and events. Supporters, however, say the change offers an opportunity to highlight conservation efforts and showcase the rich diversity of British wildlife. The final decision will be made by Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England. While public opinion will play a major role, officials say the final selection will also consider the need for each denomination to be visually distinct and representative of different parts of the United Kingdom. The new banknotes are expected to take several years to design, test and introduce into circulation, incorporating the latest security and accessibility features before reaching the public.
