July 16, 2026
The Bank of England plans to redesign banknotes to include pictures of animals on the reverse side and has asked the public for their opinion on which animals should be included. The bank shortlisted 18 creatures–including a barn owl, a brown hare, a Eurasian curlew, a buff-tailed bumblebee and a bottlenose dolphin–whose pictures could be used on the next series of banknotes. The creatures were divided among three categories and people were allowed to vote for up to two creatures from each category. These creatures, native to the UK, are expected to feature on £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes, potentially replacing historical figures currently featured on the reverse side of the notes. However, the next series of notes will be introduced after many years.
Watch this video to learn about Indian currency
ACTIVITY: Wild Money
List any 5 endemic animals you would like to see on different countries’ banknotes.
