BANK OF ENGLAND PICKS FOUR ANIMALS FOR NEW BANKNOTES

The Bank of England has announced that the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog will appear on its next series of banknotes. The Bank said the choice followed a public consultation in which almost 500,000 people selected from a shortlist of 18 animals. Each will be the central image on one of four denominations — the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes — though the Bank has not yet decided which animal goes on which note. It said the first new note is expected within the next few years.

A panel of UK wildlife experts drew up the shortlist, covering mammals, birds, and amphibians, insects and fish. The Bank said more than 2.5 million votes were cast, with the buff-tailed bumblebee most popular on 360,399 votes, nearly 90,000 more than the barn owl. The European hedgehog topped the mammals category, while the red fox and common kingfisher drew more nominations than the puffin, with the fox recorded on 244,651. The puffin was chosen regardless, as the top marine animal, intended to add variety and mark the British coastline. Victoria Cleland, the Bank's Chief Cashier, said the four animals were "distinct and inspiring" and would showcase UK wildlife while strengthening banknote security.

The notes will still carry a portrait of the monarch, the Bank said, alongside other natural imagery that may include further shortlisted animals. The redesign continues a shift away from historical figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, which some politicians have criticised. The puffin and the bumblebee also feature on the Royal Mint's redesigned 20p and £1 coins. The Bank said the response, ranging from wildlife enthusiasts to primary school pupils, reflected continued public interest in cash.