The animals set to replace historical figures on UK banknotes
The new designs will replace historical figures such as Winston Churchill, who has been featured on banknotes since 2016 (Gareth Fuller/PA)
The Bank of England is set to replace historical figures on its banknotes with British wildlife, launching a public consultation for the new designs.
A shortlist of UK native animals, including dolphins, foxes and owls, has been curated by wildlife experts and categorised for the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes.
The public is invited to choose up to two examples from each category in the consultation, which closes at 11.59pm on 3 July, with only pre-selected animals eligible.
The decision to feature nature as the theme for the next series of banknotes was made in March 2026, following a previous consultation and focus groups, aiming to increase counterfeit resilience.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey will make the final decision, with the outcome announced by the end of 2026, and the new series expected to launch several years later, still featuring a portrait of the monarch.
