UK public to select wildlife for next banknote series
The Bank of England has launched a public consultation to select UK wildlife for the next series of banknotes. The public can choose from a shortlist of animals for the £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes until July 3, 2026.
A diverse shortlist for public choice
The Bank of England, in collaboration with a panel of wildlife experts, has unveiled a shortlist of UK native animals for the new £5, £10, £20, and £50 banknotes.
The list is divided into three categories: Mammals (e.g., bottlenose dolphin, red fox), Birds (e.g., Atlantic puffin, white-tailed eagle), and Amphibians, insects and fish (e.g., Atlantic salmon, Emperor dragonfly), ensuring diverse representation across species and environments.
Each denomination will feature a distinct animal, enhancing public recognition.
The public is invited to select up to two animals from each category through an online consultation open until July 3, 2026.
This initiative follows the Bank's March 2026 announcement that nature, specifically wildlife, was chosen as the theme for the next banknote series, a decision influenced by strong public support in a previous consultation.
The Bank emphasized the vital role animals play in UK landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
Governor's choice, years in the making
While public feedback is a key consideration, the Bank of England's final selection will also prioritize distinctiveness across denominations and representation of diverse UK environments.
Governor Andrew Bailey will make the ultimate decision, with the outcome expected by the end of 2026.
The new banknote series, which will take several years to design, test, and print, aims to enhance counterfeit resilience and accessibility.
It will feature a portrait of the monarch and incorporate elements representing the Home Nations.
The Bank highlights that wildlife imagery is particularly well-suited for integration with advanced security features, offering numerous options for recognizable forms and movements to deter counterfeiting.
Victoria Cleland, Bank of England Chief Cashier, expressed hope that the public would enjoy engaging in the consultation.
Engagement with a caveat
This consultation cleverly engages the public while retaining the Bank's ultimate control over design and security imperatives.
It represents a strategic refresh, leveraging a popular theme to update banknotes with advanced anti-counterfeiting technology.
For the public, it's a rare chance to influence a national symbol, even if the final choices might not perfectly align with popular vote.