British wildlife to feature on new banknotes after public vote

British wildlife will replace historical figures on the next series of Bank of England banknotes, with the public set to help choose which native animals and birds will appear.

The central bank said images of wildlife would be more difficult to counterfeit while also offering an opportunity to celebrate nature across the United Kingdom. The move will end the decades-long practice of featuring prominent historical figures on £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes — a tradition that has been in place for more than 50 years, BBC writes.

A panel of experts will compile a shortlist of wildlife candidates to present to the public later this year. While the final decision will rest with the Bank’s governor, officials cautioned that it could take several years before the redesigned notes enter circulation.

"The key driver for introducing a new banknote series is always to increase counterfeit resilience, but it also provides an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK," said the Bank's chief cashier, Victoria Cleland, whose signature appears on current notes.

Nature emerged as the most popular theme in a public consultation that drew 44,000 responses. Around 60% of participants selected nature as one of their preferred themes, ahead of architecture and landmarks (56%), historical figures (38%), arts, culture and sport (30%), innovation (23%) and noteworthy milestones (19%), according to the Bank.

Wildlife already features on some British banknotes. Notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland depict species including mackerel, otters, red squirrels and ospreys.

The expert panel tasked with drawing up the shortlist includes wildlife filmmakers and presenters Gordon Buchanan, Miranda Krestovnikoff and Nadeem Perera, alongside Katy Bell of Ulster Wildlife and academics Steve Ormerod and Dawn Scott.

Perera said: "The wildlife of the UK is not separate from our culture. 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 monarch has appeared on Bank of England notes since 1960 and will continue to do so. Historical figures first appeared on the reverse side in 1970, beginning with William Shakespeare. The current series features, in ascending order of note value, Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner and Alan Turing.

The Bank has previously faced criticism over representation. In 2013, it was criticised for the absence of any women, apart from Queen Elizabeth II, on its notes. There has never been a historical figure from a Black or ethnic minority background featured on Bank of England currency.

Some observers suggest that choosing wildlife may prove less controversial, although even the designation of the robin as the UK’s favourite bird has drawn debate in the past.

This summer, the public will be invited to select from the expert shortlist which native wildlife species they would like to see on the next series of notes. Household pets will not be eligible. Designs may also incorporate additional natural elements such as plants and landscapes.

The Bank may look to international examples for inspiration. The Bermuda Monetary Authority recently won the International Bank Note Society’s banknote of the year award for its $5 note. The predominantly pink note features a blue marlin, dolphins and tuna fish alongside a profile of King Charles III, with butterflies, flora, Horseshoe Bay and a boat passing beneath Somerset Bridge depicted on the reverse.

By Sabina Mammadli