Story perspectives

Bank of England to Issue Wildlife-Themed Future Banknotes

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 5:40 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Bank of England announced future banknotes will replace historic figures with native wildlife.
Nearly 500,000 public-consultation votes guided the redesign to improve distinctiveness and counterfeiting resistance.
Chosen species are Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog; the bumblebee received the most votes.
Chief Cashier Victoria Cleland said the response shows cash still matters despite payments falling below 10% in 2024.

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Story summary

The Bank of England announced future banknotes will replace historic figures with native wildlife.
Nearly 500,000 public-consultation votes guided the redesign to improve distinctiveness and counterfeiting resistance.
Chosen species are Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog; the bumblebee received the most votes.
Chief Cashier Victoria Cleland said the response shows cash still matters despite payments falling below 10% in 2024.