Bank of England Shortlists 18 British Wildlife Species for Next Banknote Series

The Bank of England has presented a selection of 18 animals, birds, and insects as contenders for the next series of banknotes. The public is invited to provide their input on which creatures should be depicted, with a consultation period open for one month, concluding at the end of 3 July.

This public engagement follows earlier criticism from political figures regarding the Bank's decision to substitute historical personalities, including former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, with British wildlife. Critics, such as Reform leader Nigel Farage, had expressed disapproval, with Farage stating, "They propose we replace people like him with a picture of a beaver," though the beaver did not make the final shortlist.

Victoria Cleland, the Bank's chief cashier, whose signature appears on all banknotes, commented, "I very much hope the public will enjoy engaging in our consultation to choose the animals to feature on our next series of banknotes. The shortlisted animals demonstrate the rich variety of wildlife we have to celebrate in the UK."

The shortlist, curated by a panel of wildlife experts, excludes common household pets. The public can select up to two preferred animals from each of three categories: mammals, birds, and amphibians, insects, and fish. The mammals category includes the bottlenose dolphin, brown hare, European hedgehog, grey seal, pine marten, and red fox. Birds comprise the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, common kingfisher, Eurasian curlew, great spotted woodpecker, and white-tailed eagle. The final category features the Atlantic salmon, basking shark, buff-tailed bumblebee, common frog, Emperor dragonfly, and marsh fritillary butterfly.

While public opinion is being gathered, the ultimate decision rests with Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey, who is not obligated to select the most popular choices. The process of designing, testing, and printing the new notes is expected to take several years before their introduction into circulation. The new series will retain a portrait of the monarch and images representing the constituent nations of the United Kingdom, but will mark the first time since 1970 that the reverse side will not feature notable historical figures.