Bank of England to feature UK wildlife on new banknotes after public vote

The Bank of England will replace historical figures like Sir Winston Churchill and Jane Austen on its banknotes with four UK animals: the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee, and European hedgehog. The decision follows a public vote and aims to enhance security while celebrating the country’s wildlife, though it has sparked political debate.

Bank of England unveils wildlife for new banknote designs

The Bank of England has announced that four UK animals—the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee, and European hedgehog—will replace historical figures on redesigned banknotes. The move follows a public vote and aims to enhance security and celebrate the country’s wildlife.

According to BBC News, the selection process included a panel of wildlife experts who shortlisted 18 animals for public nominations. Over 2.5 million votes were cast by 478,531 people, with the buff-tailed bumblebee receiving the highest number of votes at 360,399.

The Atlantic puffin was added to the lineup to represent marine life and coastal ecosystems, as well as to introduce variety across the denominations. The Bank of England stated that this variety would make the notes easier to distinguish.

Other animals, such as the red fox and common kingfisher, received more nominations than the puffin but were not selected for the final designs.

Controversy over removal of historical figures

The decision to replace historical figures—including Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing—with wildlife has drawn criticism from political leaders. Reform party leader Nigel Farage and Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey publicly expressed disapproval, particularly over the removal of Churchill from the £5 note.

According to the Bank of England, the primary motivation for the redesign is to improve banknote security and resilience against counterfeiting. The institution also emphasized the importance of creating high-quality, durable, and accessible currency.

The new designs will not be unveiled immediately. The Bank of England expects the process of designing, testing, and printing the notes to take several years before they enter circulation.

Context on UK currency and public engagement

The Bank of England periodically updates banknote designs to incorporate advanced security features and reflect cultural or societal shifts. Previous redesigns have included the addition of historical figures such as Jane Austen and Alan Turing, often following public consultations or expert recommendations.

Public voting on currency designs is rare but not unprecedented. The Royal Mint, which produces UK coins, has previously involved the public in selecting designs for commemorative and circulating coins. For example, the puffin and bees already feature on some coins issued by the Royal Mint.

This move aligns with broader trends in central banking, where institutions balance tradition with innovation to maintain public trust and combat counterfeiting.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

This move by the Bank of England reflects a broader shift toward balancing practicality with public engagement. For founders and operators, it’s a reminder that even long-standing traditions—like currency design—can evolve when institutions prioritize security, accessibility, and cultural relevance.

The controversy over removing historical figures highlights how symbolic decisions can become politically charged. Startups in regulated or public-facing industries should note that even well-intentioned changes may require careful messaging to address stakeholder concerns.

Additionally, the public voting process demonstrates how civic participation can be leveraged to build legitimacy for institutional decisions. For businesses, this could serve as a case study in community-driven branding or product development, though it’s worth weighing the risks of polarizing outcomes.

Key takeaways

• The Bank of England will replace historical figures on banknotes with four UK animals to enhance security and celebrate wildlife.
• Over 2.5 million votes were cast in a public vote to select the animals, with the buff-tailed bumblebee receiving the most support.
• The redesign aims to improve banknote durability, accessibility, and counterfeit resilience.
• Political figures, including Nigel Farage and Sir Ed Davey, have criticized the removal of historical figures like Sir Winston Churchill.
• The new banknotes will take years to design, test, and launch, reflecting the complexity of currency production.

FAQ

Why is the Bank of England replacing historical figures on banknotes?

The Bank of England states that the redesign is primarily to enhance banknote security, durability, and accessibility. The new designs also aim to celebrate UK wildlife and introduce variety across denominations.

How were the animals selected for the new banknotes?

A panel of wildlife experts shortlisted 18 animals for public nominations. Over 2.5 million votes were cast by 478,531 people, with the buff-tailed bumblebee receiving the most votes.

When will the new banknotes be available?

The Bank of England expects the new banknotes to take several years to design, test, and print before they enter circulation.

Why has the decision sparked controversy?

Political figures, including Nigel Farage and Sir Ed Davey, have criticized the removal of historical figures like Sir Winston Churchill, arguing that it diminishes the cultural significance of the banknotes.

Will the new banknotes feature any other designs?

The Bank of England has not announced additional designs, but the selected animals—Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee, and European hedgehog—will be the focal points of the new notes.

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