New animal banknote choices revealed as consultation opens
Replacing the likes of Winston Churchill with animals is controversial for some
The images that might soon appear on our money have been revealed. The Bank of England are asking us for our views on a selection of native UK animals that will appear on the next series of banknotes.
A consultation has been launched to decide whether a dolphin, fox, butterfly, bumblebee, shark or an owl are among the animals that could eventually replace historical figures.
The bank has worked with wildlife experts to produce a shortlist of animals that could feature on £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes.
Grouped into three categories, the list covers a variety of species and environments, with each note set to feature a different animal. People can choose up to two examples from each category, with the consultation open until midnight on July 3rd.
Which animals feature on the list?
Mammals
Split into three categories, the list of animals to choose from is pretty big. Included in the mammal list as part of the consultation are the bottlenose dolphin, brown hare, European hedgehog and grey seal, in addition to the pine marten and red fox.
Birds
British birds featured on the list include the Atlantic puffin, barn owl and the common kingfisher, as well as the Eurasian curlew. Completing the roster, members of the public may also choose the great spotted woodpecker and white-tailed eagle.
Amphibians, insects and fish
In the third and final list, Atlantic salmon, the basking shark and buff-tailed bumblebee are competing for the top spot, alongside the common frog, emperor dragonfly and marsh fritillary butterfly
The new designs are part of the bank's goal to increase resilience against counterfeits, with a nature theme the most popular among the public to centre the design around.
Each banknote denomination will need to be easy to tell apart, with different animals across the categories aiming to make it clear for those paying in cash.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey will make the final decision, taking into account feedback from the public consultation.
It will be several years before the next series is launched, with a detailed process needed to design, test and print the banknotes.
Consumers will still see a human face as they take notes out of their wallets, even when animals are introduced, as the next series will continue to include a portrait of the monarch.
The bank have also reiterated that representation of the home nations will be an important feature in the design.
Historical figures from all over the UK have been showcased on banknotes since 1970, especially those who have helped shape thought, innovation, leadership and values.
The first of the current series has been in circulation for a decade, after £5 banknotes featuring Sir Winston Churchill were issued in 2016.
The current banknotes in circulation also feature figures like Jane Austen, JMW Turner and Alan Turing on the £10, £20 and £50 notes respectively.
Payment technology innovations such as contactless and mobile wallets have given people an increasing array of alternatives to banknotes and coins.
Despite this, the Bank of England have said the amount of cash in circulation has also continued to increase, reaching £91.5 billion at the end of February 2026.