Bank of England Selects Four Animals for Future Banknote Redesigns

The Bank of England has announced that four British animals—the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee, and European hedgehog—will appear on future banknotes. The selection follows a public voting process that saw nearly half a million people cast more than 2.5 million votes from an initial shortlist of 18 creatures.

According to the Bank, the shift toward wildlife imagery is intended to enhance banknote security and modernize the series. While the bumblebee, owl, and hedgehog were selected based on their popularity in the public vote, the Atlantic puffin was chosen specifically to represent marine life and provide design variety. The decision marks a notable departure for the institution; for the first time since 1970, the reverse side of Bank of England notes will no longer feature portraits of historical figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, or Alan Turing.

Victoria Cleland, the Bank’s chief cashier, stated the chosen animals showcase the variety of wildlife in the UK and will aid in security efforts. This transition has faced criticism from several political leaders, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who called the removal of historical figures "a silly thing to do," as well as opposition from Reform leader Nigel Farage and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey. The Bank maintained that replacing the images is a necessary step to combat counterfeiting.

While the animals have been selected, the Bank has not yet decided which specific creature will be assigned to the £5, £10, £20, or £50 notes. Each note will feature one of the four animals as a central image, potentially accompanied by other elements from nature. Incoming chief cashier Rhys Phillips noted that the design, testing, and production phases will take years. The monarch’s portrait will remain on the other side of the notes. Further design details will be unveiled closer to the eventual launch of the new series.