The public are being asked to give their views on a selection of wildlife, native to the UK, that will appear on the next series of British banknotes in a consultation launched today. Working with a panel of wildlife experts from across the UK, the Bank of England has produced a shortlist of animals that could become the central image on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes.
The list has been grouped into three categories, which cover a variety of species and environments. Each banknote will feature a different animal, making them easily recognisable to the public.
Banknote wildlife shortlist
Mammals
- Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
- Brown hare (Lepus europaeus)
- European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
- Pine marten (Martes martes)
- Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
- Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)
Birds
- Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica)
- Barn owl (Tyto alba)
- Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
- Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata)
- Great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
- White‑tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Amphibians, insects and fish
- Common frog (Rana temporaria)
- Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
- Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
- Buff‑tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)
- Emperor dragonfly (Anax imperator)
- Marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia)
The public can select up to two examples from each category in a consultation running until 3 July. Only the animals on the shortlist published today can feature as the central images on the new series – the Bank of England is not seeking alternative nominations.
In July 2025, the Bank announced that work will begin on designing the next series of banknotes, with the goal to increase counterfeit resilience, and launched a consultation on the theme for the design. In March 2026, the Bank announced that nature, with a particular focus on wildlife, had been chosen as the theme for the next series of banknotes.
The nature theme received the highest proportion of nominations in last year’s public consultation and much of the feedback referred to wildlife that is native to the UK. Animals are vital to our landscapes, ecosystems and everyday lives and have long inspired iconic works of art, music and literature.
The views of the public will be an important consideration in making the final decision on the design. Each denomination will need to be easy to tell apart. It is important that there are four distinct animals across the four denominations and that they are able to represent different environments from across the UK. The central images will be complemented with additional elements from wildlife and nature.
Given this, it is possible that the Bank may not necessarily choose the four animals that receive the highest number of responses. Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, will make the final decision, taking into account the public’s feedback. The Bank will announce the outcome of this consultation by the end of 2026.
Victoria Cleland, Bank of England Chief Cashier, said: “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.”
When will UK banknotes be changed?
It will be a number of years before the next series is launched. It is a detailed, multi-year process to design, test and print the notes, ensuring they are high-quality, resilient, accessible and incorporate the latest anti-counterfeiting technology. The next series will continue to include a portrait of the monarch. Representation of the Home Nations will also be an important feature in the design.
Since 1970 the Bank has showcased many inspirational historical figures who have helped shape national thought, innovation, leadership and values on its banknotes. The first of the current G series has been in circulation since 2016, when the Churchill £5 banknote was issued. Banknotes are updated periodically to incorporate the newest security and accessibility features.
The change to wildlife imagery, supported by the public consultation and feedback, provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK. The chosen animal imagery will be combined with security technology to help prevent counterfeiting. Animals are especially well suited for this, giving us many options to feature recognisable forms and movements within the security features.
How to have your say
The Bank of England is seeking responses in particular from residents of the UK and British citizens living abroad. They can be submitted via this online form available on the Bank’s website or by post.
The consultation closes on July 3, 2026.