For over half a century, the reverse side of British banknotes has displayed historical figures. However, a major change to UK banknotes has now been confirmed, with wildlife to feature on the next series of £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. The Bank of England has announced that images of wildlife native to the UK will feature on the future series of notes following a public consultation that gathered more than 44,000 responses.

The nature theme received the highest proportion of nominations in last year’s July consultation, as well as support in focus groups commissioned by the Bank. Around 60% of respondents included it among their preferred options, ahead of architecture and landmarks (56%), notable historical figures (38%), arts, culture and sport (30%), innovation (23%) and noteworthy milestones (19%).

The Bank also judged that wildlife images would be most effective for developing banknotes with security features that are easy for the public to recognise and distinguish. The UK’s central bank said the change offers an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK.

The decision means the current line-up of historical figures, including Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, J. M. W. Turner and Alan Turing, will eventually be replaced as new designs are introduced. The portrait of King Charles will continue to appear on the front of banknotes.

The Bank of England will hold a second public consultation this summer to find out which specific wildlife people would like to see featured on the next series of banknotes.

Alongside animals and birds, the designs could also include other natural elements such as plants and landscapes to help complete the imagery.

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A panel of wildlife experts from across the UK has been brought together to draw up a shortlist of species for public consideration. That shortlist will be revealed as part of the summer consultation, when the Bank will once again invite people to share their views.

Victoria Cleland, Chief Cashier at the Bank of England, said: “I was delighted by the level of public engagement during our banknote theme consultation last year. The response underlines how important banknotes remain to people.

“The key driver for introducing a new banknote series is always to increase counterfeit resilience, but it also provides an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK.

“Nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective and means we can showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes. I look forward to hearing about the public’s favourite wildlife during our forthcoming summer consultation.”

It will be a few years before the next generation of banknotes, which will incorporate the latest anti-counterfeiting technology, is issued. The Bank of England said producing new notes is a complex, multi-year process involving detailed design, testing and printing to ensure they are durable, secure and accessible for the public to use.