New Banknotes to Feature Four Animals: Puffin, Owl, Bumblebee, and Hedgehog

The Bank of England has announced that four animals will feature on redesigned banknotes in the future. The Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee, and European hedgehog were selected through a public vote, although the specific banknotes for each animal have yet to be determined. The decision to replace historical figures, such as Sir Winston Churchill, with wildlife has drawn criticism from some politicians. Victoria Cleland, the Bank's chief cashier, stated that the chosen animals represent the UK's wildlife diversity and will enhance banknote security. A panel of wildlife experts created a shortlist of 18 species, which were then voted on by the public, resulting in over 2.5 million votes from 478,531 participants. The buff-tailed bumblebee received the highest number of votes at 360,399, followed by the barn owl. The inclusion of the puffin aims to celebrate marine life and the British coastline. The new banknotes will feature the selected animals as central images, alongside other nature elements, while the monarch's image will remain on the reverse side. Rhys Phillips, the Bank's incoming chief cashier, noted that the design and production process for the new notes could take several years. The Bank of England's decision marks the first time since 1970 that notable historical figures will not appear on the reverse side of its banknotes.