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BoE plans wildlife images for future banknotes

2026-10-09 · 1 source · Economic Times Markets

In short

The Bank of England plans to use barn owls, bumblebees and hedgehogs on future banknotes instead of well-known Britons. The report says the idea followed a public consultation with around 500,000 people voting on animal choices.

This matters because it changes the look of cash in the UK. The report does not say which notes will be redesigned or when the new notes will come out.

What the reporting says

The Bank of England plans to put barn owls, bumblebees and hedgehogs on future banknotes, replacing renowned Britons, according to the reporting. The change follows a public consultation in which around 500,000 people voted on animal preferences. The immediate consequence is a redesign of notes, though the reporting does not say which denominations will change or when the new designs will appear.

Why it matters

The Bank of England is planning to replace portraits of renowned Britons on future banknotes with local wildlife such as barn owls, bumblebees and hedgehogs. The reporting says the design shift followed a public consultation involving around 500,000 participants. This affects the appearance of UK cash and reflects a response to public input, but the reporting does not specify the note denominations or rollout timing.

Touches: Currency, Global

Sources