The Bank of England announced on October 8 that new banknotes will feature native wildlife like barn owls, bumblebees, puffins, and hedgehogs, replacing historic figures such as Winston Churchill. The decision, made in March, sparked debate among politicians who expressed disappointment over the removal of famous Britons from the currency. The central bank cited the need for distinctive and counterfeit-resistant designs, following a public consultation where nearly 500,000 people voted on a selection of 18 animals.
The buff-tailed bumblebee was the most popular choice, followed by the barn owl and the European hedgehog. The Atlantic puffin was selected to ensure marine representation, despite receiving fewer votes than red foxes and common kingfishers. Victoria Cleland, chief cashier of the Bank of England, expressed delight in the public’s engagement, noting that cash still holds significance despite a decline in usage.
Cash payments in Britain have dropped sharply, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with under 10% of transactions made in cash in 2024. However, industry body UK Finance predicts the decline will stabilize as some Britons continue to prefer cash. The new banknotes will retain the monarch’s image, with the £5 Churchill note being the first to be replaced, followed by notes featuring Jane Austen, J.M.W. Turner, and Alan Turing.