Bank of England picks puffin, owl, bumblebee and hedgehog for notes

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 8 Oct, 00:19 · Archive

The Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog will feature on the Bank of England's next series of banknotes, replacing historical figures on the currency. The animals were selected following a public consultation that attracted nearly 500,000 responses over the summer. Members of the public chose from a shortlist of 18 options across three categories: mammals, birds, and amphibians, insects and fish. The consultation was developed in collaboration with a panel of UK wildlife experts.

The barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog were the most popular animals in their respective categories. The Atlantic puffin was chosen as the most popular marine animal, beating the bottlenose dolphin, grey seal and basking shark. The Bank of England said the inclusion of a marine animal will add variety to the series, making the denominations easier to distinguish and giving an opportunity to celebrate the British coastline.

One animal will feature on each denomination. The red fox received 244,651 nominations in the mammals category, more than the Atlantic puffin's 183,137. In the birds category, the common kingfisher received 211,277 nominations, also more than the puffin. The Bank of England has stated previously that it would not necessarily choose the four animals that received the highest number of responses, saying it is important the animals represent different environments from across the UK.

The selection has proved controversial. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said 'removing Churchill from banknotes is erasing our history' and called it 'a silly thing to do'. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the decision as 'absolutely crackers'.

The first denomination from the new series will launch over the next few years. The Bank said the process of designing, testing and printing banknotes to ensure they are high-quality, resilient and accessible takes years. The decision on which selected animal will feature on which denomination will be announced closer to the launch date.

How it is being reported

• Bank of England confirms major change to notes with Winston Churchill replaced on moneyThe Bank of England says it had nearly 500,000 responses from the public for a consultation on which creatures should replace historic figures on banknotesThe Mirror · 8 Oct, 00:04
• Stick a puffin in your pocket: Bank of England reveals animals to replace Churchill and other historical figures on banknotes... but why has the kingfisher missed out?Puffins, owls, bumblebees and hedgehogs will replace historical figures including Winston Churchill on the Bank of England's next series of bank notes.This is Money · 8 Oct, 00:01
• Bank of England reveals which animals will feature on its next banknotes seriesNearly half a million people took part in a consultation to choose the next generation of Bank of England notesEvening Standard · 8 Oct, 00:01
• Bank of England reveals animals to feature on next banknotesThe first denomination from the new series will be launched over the next few years, the Bank of England said.Evening Standard · 8 Oct, 00:01

In this story: Bank of England · Winston Churchill · Jane Austen · JMW Turner · Alan Turing · Kemi Badenoch · Nigel Farage · UK

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