Wildlife to replace historic figures on upcoming Bank of England notes

The decision to pivot toward nature imagery emerged after the Bank of England announced in March that it would move away from featuring famous Britons. While the shift sparked political debate regarding the potential avoidance of historical controversies, the bank maintains the change serves a practical purpose: making currency more distinct and difficult to counterfeit. The buff-tailed bumblebee emerged as the public’s favorite, securing the top spot in a shortlist of 18 creatures, followed closely by the barn owl and the European hedgehog. Officials also included the Atlantic puffin to ensure representation for marine life.

Bank of England Chief Cashier Victoria Cleland praised the high level of public engagement, noting that the turnout underscores the continued relevance of physical currency. This redesign arrives as cash usage in Britain faces a steep decline, accelerated by the widespread adoption of contactless payments during the pandemic. Data from the trade body UK Finance indicates that cash transactions now account for less than 10% of payments, though experts expect this downward trend to eventually stabilize. The new designs will continue to feature the reigning monarch, with the £5 Churchill note slated as the first to be phased out.