Full Breakdown
Bank of England Seeks Public Input on Wildlife Imagery for Next Banknote Series
6/4/2026, 1:08:12 AM
Core Event – Public Consultation on New Banknote Designs
The Bank of England has opened a consultation for the public to choose which native UK wildlife will appear on the next series of £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. Voters may select up to two animals from each of three categories—mammals, birds, and amphibians/insects/fish—by 23:59 BST on 3 July 2026. Submissions can be made via an online form, email (enquiries@bankofengland.co.uk), or post to the Bank’s Banknote Imagery Consultation address. Only the animals on the published shortlist are eligible for the final designs.
Background & Context – From Historical Figures to Nature Themes
Since its founding in 1694, the Bank of England periodically issues new banknote series to incorporate the latest security and accessibility features. The current “G” series, introduced in 2016, depicts historical figures such as Winston Churchill (£5) and Jane Austen (£10). In 2025 the Bank ran a public poll on the theme for the next series; “nature” received the highest share of nominations and focus-group support. The Bank subsequently announced in March 2026 that wildlife imagery would form the central motif, citing both public preference and the suitability of animal forms for anti-counterfeiting technology.
Key Figures & Groups – Decision-makers and Critics
- Andrew Bailey – Governor of the Bank of England, who will make the final animal selections.
- Victoria Cleland – Chief Cashier, spokesperson for the consultation.
- Wildlife expert panel – Katy Bell (Ulster Wildlife), Gordon Buchanan MBE (filmmaker), Miranda Krestovnikoff (BBC presenter), Steve Ormerod (Cardiff University), Nadeem Perera (presenter/strategist), Dawn Scott (Nottingham Trent University).
- Political critics – Kemi Badenoch (Conservative leader) and Nigel Farage (Reform UK).
- Animal-welfare groups – The RSPCA, which urged the Bank to consider less-celebrated species such as pigeons, rats and seagulls.
Timeline – Key Dates in the Redesign Process
- 2025 – Public poll on preferred banknote theme.
- July 2025 – Initial public consultation on wildlife shortlist.
- March 2026 – Bank announces wildlife as the chosen theme.
- 3 July 2026 – Deadline for public voting on shortlisted animals.
- 2027-2029 (estimated) – Design, testing, and production of the new series.
Data & Statistics – Cash Usage and Shortlist Details
- Approximately 1 in 7 people in the UK still prefer cash for transactions.
- Cash in circulation reached £91.5 billion at the end of February 2026.
- The shortlist comprises 26 species grouped as follows:
Mammals – bottlenose dolphin, brown hare, European hedgehog, grey seal, pine marten, red fox, Atlantic dolphin (duplicate entry omitted).
Birds – Atlantic puffin, barn owl, common kingfisher, Eurasian curlew, great spotted woodpecker, white-tailed eagle.
Amphibians, insects & fish – Atlantic salmon, basking shark, buff-tailed bumblebee, common frog, emperor dragonfly, marsh fritillary butterfly.
Why It Matters / Impact – Security, Representation, and Public Engagement
Animal silhouettes provide complex, recognisable patterns that can be integrated into advanced security features, aiding both counterfeit deterrence and accessibility for blind or partially sighted users. Selecting native wildlife also aligns the notes with public sentiment, showcasing the UK’s biodiversity and reinforcing cultural identity. The consultation itself serves as a rare instance of direct public participation in monetary design.
Official Statements & Responses – Bank’s Rationale Summarised
The Bank emphasised that wildlife imagery “provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK” and that the chosen animals “demonstrate the rich variety of wildlife we have to celebrate in the UK.” It reiterated that the redesign will retain the monarch’s portrait, preserve current note sizes and colour schemes, and incorporate the latest anti-counterfeiting technology. The Bank also noted that the new series will continue to include tactile features for the visually impaired.
Criticism & Opposition – Political and Welfare Concerns
Kemi Badenoch dismissed the initiative as “a silly thing to do,” while Nigel Farage labelled it “absolutely crackers.” The RSPCA argued that the Bank should spotlight less-popular species such as pigeons, rats and seagulls, suggesting the current shortlist favours charismatic fauna.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – No Major Discrepancies Noted
All sources agree on the consultation timeline, shortlist composition, and the Bank’s security motivations. No contradictory data on cash usage or animal selection were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Victoria Cleland, the Bank’s chief cashier, said: “I very much hope the public will enjoy engaging in our consultation to choose the animals to feature on our next series of banknotes.” — Victoria Cleland, Chief Cashier, Bank of England
- “The shortlisted animals demonstrate the rich variety of wildlife we have to celebrate in the UK.” — Bank of England statement
- “It said the wildlife imagery “provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK”.” — Bank of England defense of the theme
- “a silly thing to do” — Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader
- “absolutely crackers” — Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader
What’s Next – From Vote to Circulation
After the 3 July 2026 deadline, the Bank will tally votes and Andrew Bailey will select four distinct animals, ensuring each note remains easily distinguishable. Design and security testing will follow, with the new series expected to enter circulation several years later, once production and accessibility assessments are complete.
