The way British money looks could soon be changing in a big way. Instead of featuring famous historical figures, future UK banknotes may showcase something a little wilder — native British wildlife.
The Bank of England has announced that it plans to redesign the next generation of UK banknotes, and early signs suggest animals and nature could take centre stage. The move follows a large public consultation that asked people across the UK what theme they would like to see on the country’s currency in the future.
A Shift Away from Historical Figures
For decades, the backs of British banknotes have featured well-known figures from history. Current notes include people like Winston Churchill on the £5 note, Jane Austen on the £10 note, J. M. W. Turner on the £20 note and Alan Turing on the £50 note.
However, the Bank of England is now considering a different direction for the next series of notes. Instead of highlighting individuals, the new designs may celebrate the UK’s natural environment — including animals, birds and plants native to Britain.
One thing that won’t change is the presence of King Charles III, who will continue to appear on the front of banknotes as the reigning monarch.
Nature Tops the Public Vote
The idea of wildlife-themed banknotes isn’t coming out of nowhere. During the consultation held in 2025, more than 44,000 people shared their views about potential themes for the next banknote series.
Nature turned out to be the clear favourite. Around 60% of respondents supported a wildlife theme, making it the most popular option ahead of architecture, landmarks, culture and historical figures.
This strong response suggests people are keen to see Britain’s natural heritage represented in everyday life — even in the cash we carry.
Which Animals Could Appear?
The specific animals or plants that might feature on the notes haven’t been decided yet. Instead, the Bank of England plans to work with wildlife experts, conservationists and scientists to create a shortlist of possible species.
These could include birds, mammals, insects or plants that are native to the UK, helping to showcase the country’s biodiversity. Pets and domestic animals are unlikely to be included, as the focus will be on wildlife found in Britain’s natural habitats.
Later in the process, the public may be invited to help choose which species appear on the final designs.
Why Banknotes Get Redesigned
Redesigning banknotes isn’t just about appearance. New series are regularly introduced to improve security features and make currency harder to counterfeit.
Modern designs often incorporate complex patterns, detailed imagery and advanced materials that help protect against fraud. Wildlife images could actually help with this, as animals and natural scenes can include intricate details that are difficult to replicate.
When Could We See the New Notes?
If wildlife does become the theme, the change won’t happen overnight. Designing and introducing a new series of banknotes is a long process that can take several years.
Still, if the plans go ahead, future UK notes could feature creatures from Britain’s forests, rivers and coastlines — putting the country’s wildlife directly into people’s hands.
What do you think about this change to our banknotes? Do you think we should keep the historical figures on the notes? Let us know in the comments.