Wildlife to Replace Historical Figures on Bank of England Banknotes

The Bank of England (BoE) announced on March 11, 2026, that the next series of banknotes will feature images of British wildlife, marking a significant departure from the tradition of honoring historical figures . This decision follows a public consultation conducted in 2025, seeking input on potential themes for the new banknote series.

Public Consultation Results

The BoE received over 44,000 responses to its consultation, which presented six potential themes: famous historical figures, nature, architecture and landmarks, arts, culture, and sport, innovation, and noteworthy milestones . The “nature” theme garnered the most support, with 60% of respondents selecting it as a preferred option, followed by architecture and landmarks (56%) and historical figures (38%) . Many respondents specifically suggested featuring wildlife native to the UK.

Rationale for the Change

According to the BoE, the shift to wildlife imagery serves multiple purposes. It enhances the banknotes’ resistance to counterfeiting, as wildlife images are considered more difficult to replicate . It too provides an opportunity to celebrate the UK’s natural environment and biodiversity . For over 50 years, the Bank of England has featured historical figures on its banknotes, but the public consultation indicated a desire for a change.

Selection Process and Timeline

A panel of six wildlife experts has been assembled to create a shortlist of potential wildlife candidates for inclusion on the banknotes. The panel includes wildlife filmmakers Gordon Buchanan, Miranda Krestovnikoff, and Nadeem Perera, alongside Katy Bell from Ulster Wildlife, and academics Steve Ormerod and Dawn Scott . A second public consultation will be held this summer to gather feedback on the proposed shortlist, allowing the public to suggest additional wildlife species .

The BoE has not yet announced a specific release date for the new banknotes, stating that the design, testing, and printing process will take several years . The new series will incorporate the latest anti-counterfeiting technology and will feature the portrait of the current British monarch, Charles III, along with design elements representing England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Current Banknote Series

The current series of banknotes (G series), issued between 2016 and 2021, features Winston Churchill (£5), Jane Austen (£10), JMW Turner (£20), and Alan Turing (£50) .