For the first time in more than 50 years, the back of Britain’s banknotes will no longer carry a famous historical figure. On October 8, 2026, the Bank of England announced the four animals that will take their place, after nearly half a million people voted.
Meet the Four Winners
The Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog will each be the central image on a note in the next series. The Bank has not yet said which animal will appear on the £5, £10, £20 or £50, and the designs will be revealed closer to launch.
The vote counts, from the Bank’s own results, show how it played out:
- Buff-tailed bumblebee: 360,399 selections, the most of any animal, and the winner of the amphibians, insects and fish category.
- Barn owl: 270,596, the winner among birds.
- European hedgehog: 259,665, the most popular mammal.
- Atlantic puffin: 183,137, chosen as the most popular marine animal.
Why the Puffin Made It
The puffin’s place came with a twist. The red fox and the common kingfisher both received more nominations than the puffin, but the Bank said from the start that the top four vote-getters would not automatically win. It added a marine species to represent the coastline and to make the notes more distinctive and easy to tell apart. The puffin and bumblebee already appear on the Royal Mint’s redesigned 20p and £1 coins.
How the Vote Worked
A panel of wildlife experts drew up a shortlist of 18 mammals, birds, amphibians, insects and fish. The consultation opened on June 3, 2026, and drew 478,531 respondents, the highest engagement the Bank has ever recorded for banknote imagery. Each person could pick up to six animals, and chief cashier Victoria Cleland said the turnout showed “cash still matters.” The theme itself had been chosen earlier: in a July 2025 consultation, nature was the most popular option.
When Will You See Them?
Don’t expect them in your wallet just yet. Bank officials say the first denomination will launch within the next few years, and design, testing and printing can take a long time. Each note will carry the animal as the main image, along with other elements of nature, and the monarch will remain on the other side. Old and new notes will circulate side by side until the current series is withdrawn.
A Break With Tradition
Historical figures have appeared on the Bank’s notes since 1970. The current series features Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, J.M.W. Turner and Alan Turing. The Bank says the main reason for the change is to stop counterfeiting, since every design must eventually be replaced. The move still drew criticism: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called removing Churchill “a silly thing to do,” and Reform leader Nigel Farage and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also objected.
Bringing British Wildlife Home
If the announcement has you feeling nature-minded, here are some ways to get closer to the animals:
- Garden wildlife. A hedgehog house, bee hotel or wildflower seed mix can make a garden friendlier to pollinators and small mammals.
- Bird-watching gear. A pair of binoculars and a bird feeder help with spotting barn owls and other birds.
- Puffin trips. Compare puffin boat trips and UK coastal holidays, and consider travel insurance for longer journeys.
- Collecting. Banknote albums and coin collecting supplies appeal to collectors of the new designs.
- Support wildlife charities. A donation to a wildlife conservation charity helps protect habitats for all four species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which animals will appear on the new notes? The Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog.
Which animal goes on which note? That has not been decided and will be revealed closer to launch.
When will the new notes be issued? The first denomination is expected within the next few years.
Will the King still appear on the notes? Yes, the monarch’s portrait will stay on the other side.
Why are historical figures being replaced? The Bank says new designs are needed for security reasons and that wildlife images work well for features that are easy to recognize.
Sources: The Bank of England, BBC News, Euronews, and GB News, all covering the October 2026 announcement that the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog will feature on the next series of Bank of England banknotes.
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