10/10/2026
The Bank of England has announced that British wildlife will feature on its next series of banknotes, replacing historical figures for the first time in decades.
Public Vote Results
A public consultation drew 478,531 participants who cast over 2.5 million votes across a shortlist of 18 native species. The four winning species selected to represent UK wildlife across the £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes are:
Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris): The top overall candidate with 360,399 votes.
Barn Owl (Tyto alba): Won the bird category with 270,596 votes.
European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus): Won the mammal category with 259,665 votes.
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica): Selected as the leading marine species with 183,137 votes.
Design and Security Reasons
The decision to feature animals goes beyond public preference. The Bank of England stated that organic elements—such as natural patterns, feathers, fur, and wing contours—provide detailed imagery that integrates cleanly into advanced anti-counterfeiting security features and materials science.
Key Details
King Charles III: His portrait will remain on the front side of all denominations.
Historical Figures Being Replaced: Winston Churchill (£5), Jane Austen (£10), J.M.W. Turner (£20), and Alan Turing (£50).
Timeline: The Bank has not yet assigned specific animals to individual note values. Design, testing, and production phases will take several years before the new notes enter circulation. The final visual designs have not been revealed yet.
