New designs will replace historical figures like Winston Churchill to celebrate UK wildlife and coastline
Category: Arts & Culture
The Bank of England has announced that the next generation of banknotes will feature four native British species: the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee, and European hedgehog. This decision follows a public consultation that attracted nearly half a million responses, marking the highest engagement for such a process in the Bank’s history.
In a move to replace historical figures such as Winston Churchill and Jane Austen, the Bank aims to highlight the rich biodiversity of the UK. Victoria Cleland, the Bank’s chief cashier, expressed her delight at the overwhelming public participation, stating, "I am delighted that nearly half a million people responded to our wildlife imagery consultation, showing that cash still matters." The redesign is expected to take several years, with the first new banknotes set to be issued in the coming years.
The public was invited to vote for their favorite animals from a shortlist of 18 options across three categories: mammals, birds, and amphibians, insects, and fish. The buff-tailed bumblebee emerged as the clear favorite in the insect category, receiving 360,399 votes, followed closely by the barn owl, which secured nearly 90,000 fewer votes. The European hedgehog was named the top mammal, and the Atlantic puffin was selected as the most popular marine animal to represent Britain’s coastline.
The decision to swap prominent historical figures for wildlife has sparked a political backlash. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labeled the move as “silly,” arguing that it erases important historical narratives. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, echoed this sentiment, calling the change "absolutely crackers." Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticized the decision in a social media video, asserting that Churchill deserved "much more" than being replaced by wildlife.
Critics have pointed out that the inclusion of animals like the red fox and common kingfisher, which received more nominations than the Atlantic puffin, could have provided a broader representation of British wildlife. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) also weighed in, advocating for a more diverse selection that included less traditionally appealing animals, stating, "Gulls, badgers, rats, and pigeons all divide opinion, but this would have been a great opportunity to discuss these fantastic animals."
Historically, the reverse side of Bank of England notes has featured notable figures since 1970. The current series includes Churchill on the £5 note, Jane Austen on the £10, J.M.W. Turner on the £20, and Alan Turing on the £50. The Bank’s initiative to refresh these designs reflects a broader trend toward modernization in response to the changing nature of currency usage.
The redesign process, which involves designing, testing, and printing the new banknotes, is expected to take several years. Rhys Phillips, the incoming chief cashier responsible for overseeing the rollout, emphasized the importance of ensuring the new notes are high-quality, resilient, and accessible. He noted, "With these animals as the focus for the design, we can deliver a new series of banknotes that are secure and represent the UK at its best." The designs will incorporate cutting-edge security features to combat counterfeiting, a growing concern in the digital age.
Each of the selected animals will serve as the central imagery on a £5, £10, £20, or £50 note, with other nature-inspired elements potentially included in the designs. The exact denomination for each animal has yet to be decided, and the Bank plans to announce these details closer to the launch date. The monarch’s portrait will continue to appear on the reverse side of the notes.
The decision to refresh the banknotes comes as cash usage in the UK has significantly declined, with less than 10% of payments made in cash by 2024. This shift has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a greater acceptance of contactless payments. Nevertheless, the Bank of England aims to reinforce trust in cash as a legitimate form of payment, particularly for the small percentage of the population that still relies on it.
With the new series, the Bank of England seeks to celebrate British wildlife and to instill confidence in the future of cash as a viable payment method. The first of the new notes, featuring the barn owl, is expected to be launched in the coming years, paving the way for a unique blend of nature and currency.