The next face of British banknotes could have feathers, fur, or fins. A small iconographic revolution is underway in the United Kingdom: future pounds could depict native animals and plants instead of the famous historical figures that now dominate the back of the currency.
The idea comes from a public consultation organized by the Bank of England in 2025. More than 44 thousand people participated in the survey, and about 60 percent named nature as their favorite theme for the new banknote series. More than 26 thousand votes thus pushed biodiversity to the top of the list, ahead of architecture, innovation, and great people of the past.
The result now paves the way for a selection process that should be completed by the end of the year. Only then will it be known which species-animal or plant-will really end up in the hands of citizens.
Each new series of banknotes, the central bank explains, is designed primarily to improve anti-counterfeiting systems. According to Victoria Cleland of the Bank of England, nature offers an important technical advantage: “The main reason for introducing new banknotes is always to increase resistance to counterfeiting,” Euronews reports. And it is precisely the complexity of natural motifs, she explained, that makes it possible to develop security features that are more recognizable and difficult to replicate.
In short, biodiversity also becomes a technological tool.
A cultural signal
Behind this choice, however, is primarily a cultural issue. British wildlife is deeply intertwined with national identity-from folk legends to sporting emblems to coastal and rural landscapes. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to put biodiversity literally in the hands of all of us,” said Ali Fisher, founder of sustainability consultancy Plans with Purpose.
Scottish naturalist Gordon Buchanan, who is involved in the panel of experts developing the list of candidate species, also stressed the symbolic value of the initiative. “Nature is more than just scenery: it is the common thread that binds our landscapes, our history and our future,” he explained.
At a time marked by climate crisis and global biodiversity loss, small cultural signals can help change collective perceptions.
Even the “least loved animals“
Some environmental organizations are calling for less popular species to appear on the new bills: pigeons or seagulls, for example.
According to the RSPCA, Britain’s historic animal protection association, representing these species could help reduce the stigma that often surrounds them. “What about pigeons, our companions for thousands of years, or seagulls with their incredible intelligence?” recalled wildlife expert Geoff Edmond.
A European trend
The United Kingdom would not be the first European country to celebrate nature on its currency. In Norway, for example, crowns show marine motifs related to the country’s long coastline, with stylized waves and Atlantic fish.
Switzerland, on the other hand, has already chosen a similar path in 2016 with a series of banknotes dedicated to natural phenomena: wind, water, butterflies and alpine landscapes.
The European Central Bank is also considering something similar for future euro banknotes.
Putting an animal on a bill certainly does not save an endangered species. But it can change the way society looks at its natural heritage.
Even money-perhaps the most everyday object in modern life-can become a constant reminder that nature is a part of our economy, our culture and our future.
