Four native animals recommended for next UK banknote series
The Bank of England's Banknote Imagery Advisory Group recommended four animals for Series H banknotes on July 15, 2026. The proposed set comprises the buff-tailed bumblebee, barn owl, European hedgehog and Atlantic puffin.
Public preference meets counterfeit resilience
The June 2026 consultation drew nearly 500,000 responses online, by post, email and telephone.
Respondents could select up to two animals from each category: mammals; birds; and amphibians, insects and fish.
The recommended set includes each category's most popular animal and the shortlist's most popular marine animal.
The puffin adds a marine habitat, despite the fox and kingfisher receiving more selections in their respective categories.
Members sought varied forms, movements and habitats to distinguish the four denominations and support counterfeit resilience.
Animal movements could inform security features, while other shortlisted animals remain possible secondary imagery.
Members also considered the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Innovation director joins core membership
Members approved updated Terms of Reference adding the Banknote Innovation Programme Director as a core member.
Chief Cashier Victoria Cleland chaired the meeting.
Attendees included Katie Martin, Nick McLaren, Rhys Phillips, Emma Wild and Theodora Gkatzoflia, alongside the Senior Manager for Banknote Security and Design and a Prudential Regulation Authority senior adviser.
Sebastian Walsh, Secretary to the Bank, sent apologies.
The group concluded that the proposed set met the Bank's objectives and took account of public preferences.
Recommendation awaits the Governor
The recommendation is not a final selection: the Governor retains that decision.
The Chief Cashier will seek his indicative views before the Expert Panel advises on depictions and habitats that distinguish denominations.
The Bank plans to announce the four animals in autumn 2026.