Following a nationwide public consultation, the Bank of England has announced that wildlife will form the central theme of the next generation of UK banknotes. The decision marks a significant shift away from the long-standing tradition of featuring historic figures.
The decision comes after more than 44,000 responses were submitted during a consultation in July 2025, where people across the UK were asked to choose which theme they think should shape the next series of notes. Wildlife proved the clear favourite with a 60% majority. Among the proposed options were also historical figures, milestones, innovations, landmarks, arts, culture, and sport.
For more than half a century, British banknotes have carried portraits of influential individuals. Current banknotes feature portraits of Winston Churchill (£5), Jane Austen (£10), JMW Turner (£20), and Alan Turing (£50). The upcoming series offers a chance to celebrate native British wildlife, which was chosen as a timeless and non-divisive symbol, representative of the UK.
“Nature is more than just scenery,” says wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan MBE, who sits on the expert panel advising the project. “It is the living thread that binds our landscapes, our history, and our future together.”
For the Bank of England, the move also serves a practical purpose. Wildlife imagery offers distinctive shapes and features that help create recognisable and secure banknote designs, an important consideration as the Bank continues to improve anti-counterfeiting measures.
As Victoria Cleland, the Bank’s Chief Cashier, explains: “The key driver for introducing a new banknote series is always to increase counterfeit resilience, but it also provides an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK.”
It's not yet known which animals will be chosen to feature on the next banknotes; these will be decided following the next consultation this summer. What we do know is that while some native plants and landscapes will be incorporated, household pets will not be included. Each note is set to feature a portrait of the monarch and shields representing the home nations.
The new banknotes are still several years away. Designing and producing them is a complex, multi-year process involving extensive testing to ensure they are secure, high-quality and accessible.
Top image: Credit Matt Cardy/Getty Images
