The Bank of England has announced a significant shift in the design of its banknotes, opting to showcase the rich wildlife of the United Kingdom instead of the traditional portraits of historical figures. This change marks a departure from decades of featuring iconic personalities such as William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, and Jane Austen on the nation’s currency. The decision reflects a broader effort to highlight the natural heritage of the UK while also enhancing banknote security through nature-inspired imagery.
Victoria Cleland, the Bank of England’s chief cashier, emphasized the practical and symbolic benefits of this new approach. She explained that nature-themed designs offer excellent opportunities for banknote authentication, making it harder for counterfeiters to replicate the notes. Additionally, the new series will celebrate the diverse and vibrant wildlife native to the UK, providing a fresh and meaningful visual identity for the currency. This move aligns with growing public interest in environmental conservation and the appreciation of the country’s natural landscapes.
Historically, British banknotes have prominently featured monarchs since Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait first appeared in 1960. The inclusion of notable historical figures began a decade later, with Shakespeare becoming the first non-royal individual to be depicted in 1970. Despite the upcoming changes, King Charles III’s likeness will continue to appear on the new banknotes, maintaining a link to the monarchy while embracing the new wildlife theme.
Earlier this year, the Bank of England conducted a public consultation in July 2025 to gather opinions on the future design of its banknotes. The response was overwhelming, with around 44,000 people participating. Among the options presented, the theme of nature received the strongest support, with 60% of respondents favoring it. This preference narrowly surpassed other popular themes such as “architecture and landmarks,” which garnered 56%, and “notable historical figures,” which attracted 38%. Other categories considered included “arts, culture and sport,” “innovation,” and “noteworthy milestones,” reflecting a wide range of public interests.
Looking ahead, the Bank of England plans to launch a second consultation inviting the public to help select specific animals to feature on the new banknotes. This list of potential wildlife candidates has been carefully curated by British wildlife experts to ensure authenticity and relevance. Importantly, the bank has clarified that the animals chosen will be native species, explicitly excluding common household pets to maintain a focus on the UK’s natural environment.
It is important to note that the Bank of England is not the sole issuer of banknotes within the United Kingdom. Seven commercial banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland also produce their own currency notes, each with distinct designs and themes. However, the Bank of England’s decision to highlight native wildlife represents a pioneering step in redefining the visual narrative of British currency and may influence future trends in banknote design across the UK.
