Banknotes Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Out with the old, in with the wild! After 50 years of historical figures, the Bank of England is switching to nature-themed banknote designs. The Bank of England announced the theme came top in its public consultation, chosen by around 60% of the 44,000 respondents, ahead of architecture and landmarks (56%), historical figures (38%), arts, culture and sport (30%), innovation (23%), and noteworthy milestones (19%).

This summer, the UK public will be invited to select the native fauna that will be featured from a curated shortlist; just keep in mind that pets won’t be making the cut. The new designs will end the 50 year tradition of featuring historical figures (such as Winston Churchill and Jane Austen) on the reverse side of banknotes.

The decision aims to showcase the UK’s natural environment following similar nature-focused designs in other countries.

Wildlife already appears on banknotes in the UK, with mackerel, otters, red squirrels, and osprey on the notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland. The latest UK coin series is also wildlife-themed.