Bank of England Wildlife Banknote Shortlist

BBC Business reported Tuesday that the Bank of England has shortlisted 18 British animals, birds and insects as candidates for its next series of Bank of England banknotes, opening a month-long public consultation that runs until July 3.

Wildlife Steps Into the Spotlight on UK Currency

The shortlist spans three categories. Mammals in contention include the bottlenose dolphin, brown hare, European hedgehog, grey seal, pine marten and red fox. Six birds are competing, among them the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, common kingfisher, Eurasian curlew, great spotted woodpecker and white-tailed eagle. The third category covers amphibians, insects and fish, featuring the Atlantic salmon, basking shark, buff-tailed bumblebee, common frog, Emperor dragonfly and marsh fritillary butterfly.

Members of the public may vote for up to six favourites across the categories. Write-in nominations are not permitted, which conveniently sidesteps any novelty submissions. Bank of England chief cashier Victoria Cleland said she hopes the public will enjoy participating and celebrated the shortlist as reflecting the UK’s rich natural diversity.

A Deliberate Break From History

For the first time since 1970, the reverse side of Bank of England notes will no longer carry portraits of notable historical figures. Currently, Sir Winston Churchill, author Jane Austen, artist JMW Turner and computing pioneer Alan Turing appear on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes respectively. The Bank cited counterfeit prevention as the primary driver, noting that all imagery must be refreshed periodically.

The decision drew sharp criticism earlier this year. Reform leader Nigel Farage objected to replacing Churchill with wildlife. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey questioned the timing given ongoing conflict in Europe. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it a poor choice altogether. Notably, neither the beaver nor the badger, both floated in earlier public debate, made the final shortlist. Churchill’s granddaughter Emma Soames told the BBC she never expected his likeness to remain on the note indefinitely and wished whatever replaced him well.

A Panel of Experts Set the Field

A committee of wildlife professionals, including filmmakers Gordon Buchanan and Miranda Krestovnikoff alongside conservation academics, assembled the shortlist. Final selection authority rests with Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, who is not bound by the public vote outcome. The design and production process typically requires several years before new notes enter active circulation. The next series will still carry a portrait of the monarch and imagery representing the four home nations.

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