Four Animals Chosen for Future British Banknotes
Wednesday, October 14, 2026211 words3 minutes242 reads
The Bank of England has named the four animals that will become central images on its next series of banknotes: the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog. It announced the selection on 8 October 2026. One animal is planned for each of the four note values, but the bank has not assigned them yet.
The decision followed a consultation that received 478,531 responses. People chose from 18 native animals grouped as mammals, birds, and amphibians, insects and fish. The hedgehog, owl and bumblebee were the top choices in their groups. The puffin was selected because it was the most popular marine animal. Including it also brings Britain's coastline into the set and helps make the notes distinct.
The redesign has a practical aim: updated security features should make fake notes harder to produce. The animal images will replace historical figures on one side. A portrait of the monarch will remain. Other natural details may also appear. These are selected subjects, not finished banknote designs.
The bank still needs to develop, test and print the new series, a process expected to take years. It has not announced which animal goes on each value or an exact launch date. The first new note is expected in the next few years.
