The Bank of England has announced plans to replace historical figures on its banknotes with images of British wildlife, launching a public consultation to gather input on the new designs.
New Theme for Banknotes
The decision to feature nature as the central theme for the next series of banknotes was made in March 2026, following a previous consultation and focus groups. The move aims to increase counterfeit resilience while celebrating the UK's natural heritage.
Shortlisted Animals
A shortlist of UK native animals has been curated by wildlife experts and categorised for the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. The public is invited to choose up to two examples from each category in the consultation, which closes at 11.59pm on 3 July. Only pre-selected animals are eligible for selection.
The shortlist includes a variety of species such as dolphins, foxes, owls, butterflies, and other British wildlife. These animals will replace historical figures like Winston Churchill, who has been featured on banknotes since 2016.
Final Decision and Timeline
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey will make the final decision on the designs, with the outcome announced by the end of 2026. The new series of banknotes is expected to launch several years later, still featuring a portrait of the monarch.
The consultation is open to the public, allowing individuals to have a say in which animals will appear on the currency. This marks a significant shift from the traditional approach of featuring historical figures, aiming to reflect the nation's biodiversity.
