UK banknotes to ditch historical figures for British wildlife designs

From Churchill to kingfishers: Britain's money gets a wild makeover. The public will help pick which animals and habitats grace the new notes.

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2026 March 13 . 7:07 PM

1 min read

The image shows a poster with a comic geographical sketch of England, featuring people, animals,... — The image shows a poster with a comic geographical sketch of England, featuring people, animals, and text. The people are depicted in a cartoonish style, with bright colors and exaggerated features, while the animals are drawn in a more realistic style. The text on the poster reads "England: A Comic Geographical Sketch".

UK banknotes to ditch historical figures for British wildlife designs

The Bank of England is set to introduce a new series of banknotes featuring native British wildlife instead of historical figures. The change follows a public consultation where nature-themed designs received strong support. King Charles III will still appear on the reverse side of each note.

Currently, British banknotes display well-known figures: Sir Winston Churchill on the £5, Jane Austen on the £10, J.M.W. Turner on the £20, and Alan Turing on the £50. The Bank of England has now decided to shift focus, replacing these portraits with images of animals, birds, and habitats found in the UK. The exact species have not yet been confirmed, but the public will help choose the final designs.

Several playful suggestions have also emerged during discussions. One proposal includes an illustration of people queuing to see the late Queen Elizabeth II. Another idea features chicken tikka masala, highlighting British multiculturalism. A cup of English Breakfast Tea with milk and a biscuit for dunking was put forward as a nod to everyday British life. Even a list of bin collection days was suggested as a practical touch.

To bridge the gap between historical figures and wildlife, some have proposed featuring naturalist David Attenborough. His inclusion could honour both British heritage and the natural world.

The new banknotes will mark a clear departure from tradition, with wildlife taking centre stage. While King Charles III remains on one side, the other will showcase British nature, chosen with public input. The designs aim to reflect modern values while keeping a familiar connection to national identity.