The Bank of England has launched a public consultation on which UK wildlife should appear as the central images on the next £5, £10, £20 and £50 banknotes. The shortlist, developed with a panel of wildlife experts, contains 18 animals across three categories: mammals, birds, and amphibians insects and fish. Members of the public can choose up to two animals from each category, but only species on the published shortlist are eligible. The Bank said each denomination will feature a different animal so the notes remain easy to distinguish, and the final selection will also need to reflect different environments across the UK. Public feedback will inform the decision, but the Bank may not simply choose the four animals with the most responses. The redesign follows the earlier decision to adopt nature, with a particular focus on wildlife, as the theme for the next series, alongside the Bank’s goal of improving counterfeit resilience. The consultation closes on 3 July 2026. Governor Andrew Bailey will make the final decision after considering the responses, and the Bank expects to announce the outcome by the end of 2026. The next series will take a number of years to design and launch, and will continue to include a portrait of the monarch.
Bank of England2026-06-03
Bank of England launches consultation on shortlisted UK wildlife for the next banknote series
The Bank of England has launched a public consultation on which UK wildlife should appear as central images on the next £5, £10, £20 and £50 banknotes, based on an 18-animal shortlist across mammals, birds, amphibians, insects and fish. Each denomination will feature a different animal reflecting diverse UK environments, with public feedback informing but not determining the final choice, alongside the Bank’s objective of improving counterfeit resilience. Governor Andrew Bailey will make the final decision, and the new series will take several years to design and issue while retaining the monarch’s portrait.