The Bank of England (BOE) has recently revealed that its upcoming banknotes will showcase wildlife indigenous to the UK, moving away from the tradition of featuring renowned historical figures like the celebrated painter J.M.W. Turner.
This transformative decision follows a public consultation held in July 2025, where citizens were invited to vote on various themes for future banknotes. The criteria emphasized choices that "symbolize the UK," resonate with the public, avoid divisiveness, and possess enduring significance.
In this consultation, over 44,000 responses were recorded. An impressive 60 percent of participants favored "Nature" as a theme, while "Architecture and Landmarks" garnered 56 percent. Other options included "Notable Historical Figures" at 38 percent and "Arts, Culture and Sport" at 30 percent.
Victoria Cleland, the BOE's chief cashier, expressed her delight at the public's engagement, stating, "The response underlines how important banknotes remain to people. The introduction of a new series not only aims to enhance counterfeit resilience but also celebrates diverse aspects of the UK." She added that selecting nature for the new notes will allow for a vibrant representation of the country's rich wildlife.
Despite this shift, the new banknotes will still feature an image of the British monarch and representations from each of the UK's four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
To determine which wildlife images will be used, the BOE has assembled a panel of six experts tasked with curating a list for public voting this summer. The public will also have the opportunity to suggest additional wildlife options during this consultation.
While the BOE has not specified when these new notes will be released, they noted that the design and production process is intricate and will take several years to ensure high quality and accessibility.
The expert panel includes notable wildlife broadcasters such as Gordon Buchanan and Miranda Krestovnikoff, alongside academics like Steve Ormerod from Cardiff University and Dawn Scott from Nottingham Trent University. Conservationist Katy Bell from Ulster Wildlife is also part of this team.
Nadeem Perera, one of the experts, highlighted the cultural significance of UK wildlife, stating, "It sits in our football crests, our folklore, our coastlines and our childhoods. Giving it space on something as symbolic as our currency feels both overdue and significant."
The new wildlife-themed banknotes will gradually replace existing notes featuring historical figures, including Winston Churchill on the £5 note, Jane Austen on the £10 note, Alan Turing on the £50 note, and Turner on the £20 note. Turner, who left a legacy of around 100 finished paintings to the nation, is also honored through the annual Turner Prize awarded to contemporary artists.
Since its establishment in 1694, the BOE has been issuing banknotes, with historical figures making their first appearance in 1970. The current polymer notes began circulation with Churchill's £5 note in 2016, followed by Turner's £20 note in February 2020.
The BOE has assured that the new banknotes will incorporate advanced anti-counterfeiting technology, emphasizing that wildlife images will enhance the banknotes' security features, making them easily recognizable to the public.