The Bank of England is replacing historical figures with British wildlife on four types of banknotes [1].
This shift marks a departure from traditional currency imagery to align with current public interests and improve security against counterfeiting [2]. It is the first major design overhaul of this scale in 50 years [2].
The central bank announced the policy on March 11 [2]. To determine the new imagery, the bank is conducting a public vote lasting approximately one month [1]. The process began with 18 candidate species [1]. While the public vote narrows the field, the Governor of the Bank of England will make the final decision.
Early data indicates strong public support for the change, with approximately 60% of voters favoring nature and wildlife over human figures [2]. Some citizens expressed enthusiasm for specific animals during interviews. "I like badgers and hedgehogs. That's all I want to say," one man said [1]. Another woman said hedgehogs would "bring joy."
However, the proposal has faced criticism from conservative circles, where some have described the move as "foolish" [2]. Other critics argue that historical figures are more appropriate for currency. "I think great people are better. Because they make people feel the past and history," one man said [1].
The transition involves updating all four denominations of the currency [1]. The bank is balancing the need for modern security features with a design that resonates with the contemporary British public [2].
“The first major design overhaul of this scale in 50 years.”
The transition from historical figures to wildlife suggests a cultural shift in how the UK views its national identity, moving away from a focus on individual 'great men' toward a collective appreciation of natural heritage. By involving the public in the selection process, the Bank of England is attempting to build civic buy-in for a technical necessity — the need to update security features to stop counterfeiting — while acknowledging a modern preference for environmental themes.
