The Bank of England has confirmed that images of UK wildlife will feature on its next series of banknotes, following a public consultation on the theme for future designs. The Bank framed the move as supporting banknote authentication and counterfeit resilience, with wildlife imagery judged well suited to security features that are easy for the public to recognise and distinguish. The nature theme attracted the highest share of nominations in the Bank’s 2025 consultation, with 60% of respondents selecting it as a preferred theme from over 44,000 responses, and it was also viewed most positively in commissioned focus groups. Feedback within the theme focused on wildlife native to the UK, and the Bank stated it will not include household pets; the next series will also continue to feature a portrait of the monarch and consider representation of the Home Nations in the design. A second public consultation is planned for summer 2026 to gather views on specific wildlife to feature, using a shortlist developed with an external panel of wildlife experts; the shortlist will be announced as part of that consultation. The Bank expects it will be a few years before the new banknotes are issued, reflecting a multi-year design, testing and printing process incorporating the latest anti-counterfeiting technology.
Bank of England 2026-03-11
Bank of England confirms UK wildlife will feature on the next banknote series and will consult again on species choices
The Bank of England will feature UK wildlife on its next series of banknotes, following a public consultation where 60% of respondents favored the nature theme. This decision aims to enhance banknote authentication and counterfeit resilience. A second consultation in 2026 will refine specific wildlife imagery, with new banknotes expected in a few years.