Bank of England Shortlists UK Wildlife for New Banknote Series
The Bank of England's Banknote Imagery Advisory Group (BIAG) met on 29 April 2026 to finalize a shortlist of UK wildlife for the next series of banknotes (Series H). The shortlist, recommended to Governor Andrew Bailey, includes mammals (brown hare or Eurasian beaver, dolphin, European hedgehog), birds (common kingfisher, great spotted woodpecker, white-tailed eagle), and amphibians/insects/fish (bumblebee, butterfly, dragonfly). The group debated replacing the beaver with the hare due to recognition concerns and Canada's national animal status. A second public consultation will run from 3 June to 3 July 2026, after which four animals will be selected for the denominations. The Bank emphasized representing the Home Nations and adhering to the Public Sector Equality Duty. The theme announcement received broad media coverage.
Key facts
- BIAG met on 29 April 2026 at the Bank of England, Threadneedle Street, London.
- The shortlist includes mammals, birds, and amphibians/insects/fish categories.
- The beaver may be replaced by the hare due to confusion with Canada's national animal.
- A second public consultation runs from 3 June to 3 July 2026.
- The Governor will make the final decision on four animals for the banknotes.
- The theme 'UK wildlife' was announced earlier and received broad media coverage.
- The Bank is ensuring representation of the Home Nations in the designs.
- The Expert Panel provided the shortlist based on criteria: wild, inclusive, recognisable, varied, distinctive, symbolise the UK.
Entities
Institutions
- Bank of England
- Banknote Imagery Advisory Group
- Banknote Imagery Expert Panel
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Threadneedle Street
- Glasgow University tower