Puffins, dolphins and bumblebees in running to feature on new UK banknotes

The Bank of England has unveiled a shortlist of eighteen animals, birds, and insects for the next series of UK banknotes, opening a public vote to help select the final designs^[1][2][3].

Eighteen animals, birds, and insects have been shortlisted to appear on future Bank of England notes^[2][3]. The list is grouped into three categories: eight mammals, five birds, and five amphibians, insects, and fish^[2][3]. The public can vote for up to six of their favorites from the shortlist from today until July 3rd^[1][2][3]. The Bank stated the wildlife imagery serves as an anti-counterfeiting measure, providing an opportunity to update security features while celebrating an important aspect of the UK^[1]. The central bank will choose four distinct animals across the notes to ensure they are easy to tell apart, meaning the most popular votes will not necessarily be selected if the animals look too similar^[1]. The final decision will be made by Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey^[2][3]. The winning wildlife will replace historical figures like Jane Austen and Winston Churchill on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes^[1]. The next series of banknotes will also include a portrait of the monarch and images representing the home nations^[2][3]. The Bank said it will be several years before the new notes enter circulation due to the lengthy design and testing process^[1].