The Bank of England is ditching historical figures for wildlife on its new banknotes
The Bank of England is set to phase out portraits of historical figures like Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, J.M.W. Turner, and Alan Turing from its banknotes, replacing them with images of native UK wildlife in the next series.
The central bank said that the upcoming series of £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes will celebrate the country’s rich and varied natural heritage. This follows a public consultation launched in July 2025, where “nature” emerged as the clear favourite among respondents.
More than 44,000 people participated in the consultation, with 60% nominating nature as one of their preferred themes – outpacing options like architecture and landmarks (56%), historical figures (38%), arts/culture/sport (30%), innovation (23%), and noteworthy milestones (19%).
Focus groups further reinforced the appeal of a wildlife theme, which the Bank said met key criteria. It symbolises the UK, resonates broadly with the public, avoids divisiveness, endures over time, aids in easy authentication, and aligns with legal obligations.
Out with Churchill, in with owls
For more than 50 years, since the introduction of historical figures in 1970, Bank of England notes have honoured individuals who shaped national thought, innovation, leadership, and values.
The current polymer series features Churchill on the £5, Austen on the £10, Turner on the £20, and Turing on the £50. The new designs will mark the end of that tradition on the reverse side, though a portrait of the monarch (currently King Charles III) will continue to appear on the front, along with representations of the Home Nations.
The primary driver for issuing a new series remains enhancing counterfeit resilience through the latest security technology.
However, the change also provides an opportunity to highlight another vital aspect of British identity. “Nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective and means we can showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes,” said Victoria Cleland, the Bank’s Chief Cashier.
The wildlife theme will focus on native UK species, explicitly excluding household pets.
Designs may incorporate broader natural elements such as plants, landscapes, or habitats to support security features that are intuitive for the public to recognise and verify.
A panel of wildlife experts, including naturalist and broadcaster Gordon Buchanan MBE, ornithologist Miranda Krestovnikoff, ecologist Steve Ormerod, and birdwatcher Nadeem Perera, will draw up a shortlist of potential species. That list will go to a second public consultation this summer (2026), allowing people to weigh in on their favourites.
The final designs will be determined by the Bank’s Governor, with the new notes expected to enter circulation in a few years after a multi-year process of development, testing, and production.
