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Hedgehog and puffin among animals chosen for new UK banknotes

Wildlife replaces historical figures after public vote draws 2.5 million ballots

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
The Bank of England has revealed the four animals that will appear on redesigned banknotes: the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog. Wildlife is replacing notable figures from history such as Sir Winston Churchill, a decision that has angered a number of leading politicians.

The Bank announced the chosen creatures after a public vote in which respondents were invited to select up to six animals from a shortlist of 18 mammals, birds, amphibians, insects and fish drawn up by a panel of wildlife experts.

More than 2.5 million votes were cast by 478,531 people, ranging from wildlife enthusiasts to primary school classes. The owl, bumblebee and hedgehog topped public voting in their categories. The Atlantic puffin was included to celebrate marine life, the coastline and bring variety to the notes, the Bank said.

Victoria Cleland, the Bank's chief cashier, said: "We have chosen four distinct and inspiring animals that not only showcase the great variety of wildlife we have in the UK but will also enhance the security of our banknotes."

No decision has been made about which animal will be shown on which banknote. The creatures will appear on the redesigned notes in years to come.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The redesign affects a currency used daily across the UK and marks a significant shift away from the historical figures who have long appeared on banknotes.
  • The choice of wildlife over figures such as Sir Winston Churchill has already provoked anger among leading politicians, signalling a broader debate about national symbols.
  • The Bank says the new designs will enhance the security of banknotes, tying the redesign to ongoing efforts against counterfeiting.

Background

UK banknotes have traditionally featured the monarch alongside notable historical figures. The move to animal designs breaks with that convention. The selection process described here involved a panel of wildlife experts compiling a shortlist and a large-scale public vote, with the final choices announced by the Bank of England.

Key Perspectives

Bank of England: Chief Cashier Victoria Cleland says the four animals showcase the variety of UK wildlife and will strengthen the security of the notes. Politicians and critics: A number of leading politicians have been angered by the removal of historical figures such as Churchill from the currency, viewing it as a loss of national heritage. The public: More than 478,000 people took part in the vote, including school classes, indicating broad public engagement with the redesign process.

What to Watch

  • Which animal is assigned to each denomination once the Bank finalises the designs.
  • The timeline for the new notes entering circulation, given they will appear "in years to come".
  • Whether political opposition leads to further public debate or any changes to the design process.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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