The Bank of England is poised to introduce new banknotes featuring various animals and birds. A public vote is underway to select two favorites from shortlisted categories. The deadline for voting is July 3.
Nominated Creatures for Banknote Design
The selection comprises 18 candidates divided into three categories: mammals, birds, and amphibians, insects, and fish.
Mammals
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Brown hare
- European hedgehog
- Grey seal
- Pine marten
- Red fox
Birds
- Atlantic puffin
- Barn owl
- Common kingfisher
- Eurasian curlew
- Great spotted woodpecker
- White-tailed eagle
Amphibians, Insects, and Fish
- Atlantic salmon
- Basking shark
- Buff-tailed bumblebee
- Common frog
- Emperor dragonfly
- Marsh fritillary butterfly
Selection Process
A panel of experts, including wildlife filmmakers and conservationists, has compiled these choices. This panel features notable figures such as Gordon Buchanan, Miranda Krestovnikoff, Nadeem Perera, and Katy Bell from Ulster Wildlife. Additionally, academics Steve Ormerod and Dawn Scott contributed to the selection.
Ultimately, the Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, will make the final decision. His choice may not necessarily reflect the public votes. Instead, he has the discretion to select any four creatures for the new banknotes.
The inclusion of the Atlantic puffin and buff-tailed bumblebee among the nominees highlights the importance of wildlife in national representation. Public interest is expected to influence the final design of these banknotes.
