The Bank of England is set to replace historical figures with images of the UK’s diverse wildlife on its next series of banknotes, inviting the public to help choose which natural elements will feature.
This significant change marks a departure from over 50 years of showcasing prominent Britons such as Sir Winston Churchill, Alan Turing, and Jane Austen on the nation's currency.
The central bank stated that the move to wildlife imagery offers a fresh opportunity to celebrate another vital aspect of the country. Crucially, it also aims to bolster security, making the new notes more resistant to counterfeiting and their security features more easily distinguishable.
The decision follows a public consultation where the UK wildlife theme garnered the highest proportion of nominations, securing 60 per cent of votes.
Architecture and landmarks closely followed with 56 per cent, ahead of notable historical figures (38 per cent), arts, culture and sport (30 per cent), innovation (23 per cent), and noteworthy milestones (19 per cent). Over 44,000 responses were received, encompassing online surveys, emails, and designs submitted by schools and the wider public.
A second consultation is scheduled for this summer, seeking further public input on specific wildlife choices, which could include plants, landscapes, and animals.
While the new banknotes are still several years from being issued, they will continue to feature a portrait of the monarch. The design process will also prioritise the representation of all home nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Victoria Cleland, chief cashier at the Bank of England, commented: “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.
“Nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective and means we can showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes. I look forward to hearing about the public’s favourite wildlife during our forthcoming summer consultation.”
