The Bank of England invites the public to help select UK wildlife to feature on the next series of banknotes, with a focus on native animals and nature themes.
The Bank of England is embarking on an exciting journey to redesign its banknotes, and this time, the theme is all about celebrating the UK’s rich wildlife. After a public consultation in 2026, the bank has decided to focus on nature, particularly the diverse range of animals found across the United Kingdom.
The public is now invited to participate in selecting which animals will grace the new £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes.
This initiative is not just about updating the visual appeal of the banknotes but also about incorporating the latest security features to ensure the public can continue to use cash with confidence.
The new series will maintain the same sizes and color schemes but will introduce fresh imagery that reflects the UK’s natural heritage. The banknotes will also continue to feature a portrait of the monarch and include accessibility features for blind and partially sighted people.
Themes and Selection Process
The decision to focus on wildlife was driven by public interest and the importance of animals in the UK’s landscapes and ecosystems. The Bank of England received numerous nominations and feedback during the consultation, with nature emerging as the most popular theme. Animals are not only iconic but also provide a unique opportunity to integrate intuitive security features linked to their natural forms and movements.
To ensure a diverse representation, the bank has grouped the shortlisted animals into three categories: mammals, birds, and amphibians, insects, and fish. This categorization helps make each denomination easily recognizable while showcasing the variety of species and environments across the UK. The public is encouraged to choose up to two animals from each category before the deadline of 11:59pm BST on Friday, 3 July 2026.
Shortlisted Animals
The shortlist includes a range of native animals, each with its own unique characteristics and conservation status. From the European hedgehog, a vulnerable species, to the bottlenose dolphin, protected under various regulations, the list represents the diversity of UK wildlife. Other notable mentions include the brown hare, grey seal, and pine marten, all of which play crucial roles in their respective ecosystems.
In the avian category, the Atlantic puffin, classified as vulnerable on the global IUCN Red List, stands out alongside the barn owl and common kingfisher. These birds are not only visually striking but also symbolize the UK’s rich avian heritage. The amphibians, insects, and fish category features the common frog, buff-tailed bumblebee, and Atlantic salmon, each contributing to the biodiversity of the nation.
Expert Panel and Criteria
The shortlist was developed with the help of a panel of wildlife experts from across the UK. This panel included conservation officers, wildlife filmmakers, television presenters, and professors specializing in various aspects of wildlife and ecology. Their expertise ensured that the selected animals are not only recognizable but also capable of supporting banknote authentication and representing the UK’s diverse environments.
The criteria for selection included the animals’ ability to support security features, their recognizability to the public, and their symbolic representation of the UK. The panel considered the importance of showcasing a variety of species from different environments to ensure that all four banknotes are distinct yet complementary as a series.
Public Participation and Next Steps
The public’s input is crucial in this process, and the Bank of England is keen to hear from everyone. The consultation will close at 11:59pm BST on Friday, 3 July 2026. The feedback received will be an important consideration in making the final decision on the design. However, it is possible that the Bank may not choose the four animals that receive the highest number of responses, as each denomination needs to be easily distinguishable and represent different environments.
Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, will make the final decision, taking into account the public’s feedback. The outcome of this consultation will be announced by the end of 2026. It will be several years before the next series of banknotes is launched, as the design, testing, and printing process is detailed and multi-year. This ensures that the new notes are high-quality, resilient, accessible, and incorporate the latest anti-counterfeiting technology.
The Bank of England’s objectives for banknote design prioritize security, accessibility, and representation. The new series will continue to incorporate tactile features for the visually impaired and maintain the same banknote sizes and overall color schemes. The imagery will showcase other elements from nature, such as plants and landscapes, to complement the central animal images.
For those interested in learning more about the shortlisted animals, detailed information is provided by the Wildlife Trusts. This includes the common name, species, conservation status, and category of each animal, along with links to further resources.
