The Atlantic puffin, barn owl, and white-tailed eagle are among the beloved birds competing for a spot on new UK banknotes, as the Bank of England unveils its shortlist of native wildlife. Puffins, dolphins, and bumblebees are also in the running to feature on the updated currency.
Controversy and Anti-Counterfeiting Focus
The decision has sparked debate, with figures like Nigel Farage criticizing the Bank for allegedly wanting to replace Winston Churchill with a beaver. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it "a silly thing to do," while Farage termed it "absolutely crackers." However, no beaver made the shortlist. Mammal options include bottlenose dolphins and red foxes.
Primarily, the move is an anti-counterfeiting measure. The Bank defended the update, stating that banknotes are periodically refreshed to incorporate the latest security and accessibility features. The wildlife imagery "provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK," the Bank said, adding that animals are especially suited for the security technology.
Criticism and Public Consultation
The RSPCA criticized the Bank, suggesting it should focus on less-loved animals like pigeons, rats, and seagulls. A panel of wildlife experts helped create the shortlist, which is open for public voting from today. All species are native to Britain, including endangered ones like Atlantic salmon and the marsh fritillary butterfly.
The winning wildlife will replace historical figures such as Jane Austen, Winston Churchill, and Alan Turing on the £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes. Only animals on the list will be considered.
Categories and Voting Process
The list is grouped into three categories: mammals, birds, and a combined category of amphibians, insects, and fish. The public can select up to two examples from each category in a consultation running until 3 July.
Wildlife was the most popular theme for the new banknotes, according to the Bank, after a prior consultation. The Bank will use the public vote to choose "four distinct animals" across the notes for easy differentiation. The animals with the most votes may not be selected if they look too similar. Designs will also incorporate different natural elements to complement the chosen animals.
Victoria Cleland, the Bank's chief cashier, said: "I very much hope the public will enjoy engaging in our consultation to choose the animals to feature on our next series of banknotes. The shortlisted animals demonstrate the rich variety of wildlife we have to celebrate in the UK."
The Bank noted that it will be some years before the notes enter circulation due to lengthy design and testing processes.
Shortlisted Mammals
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Brown hare
- European hedgehog
- Grey seal
- Pine marten
- Red fox
Shortlisted Birds
- Atlantic puffin
- Barn owl
- Common kingfisher
- Eurasian curlew
- Great spotted woodpecker
- White-tailed eagle
Shortlisted Amphibians, Insects, and Fish
- Atlantic salmon
- Basking shark
- Buff-tailed bumblebee
- Common frog
- Emperor dragonfly
- Marsh fritillary butterfly
