Barn owls, bees, puffins and hedgehogs to feature on UK banknotes

LONDON, October 8 (Reuters) - The Bank of England announced on Thursday that barn owls, bumblebees, puffins, and hedgehogs will grace new banknotes over the coming years, marking a departure from featuring historical figures like Winston Churchill. The decision, made in March, sparked debate among politicians and speculation about the central bank's motivations.

The move was intended to make banknotes more distinctive and secure against counterfeiting, following a public consultation where nearly half a million people voted on 18 animal options. The buff-tailed bumblebee emerged as the most popular choice, closely followed by the barn owl and European hedgehog. To ensure representation of marine life, the Atlantic puffin was included despite receiving fewer votes.

BoE Chief Cashier Victoria Cleland expressed delight at the high level of public engagement in the wildlife imagery consultation, highlighting the enduring relevance of cash despite its declining usage. The £5 note featuring Churchill, introduced in 2016, will be the first to be replaced, followed by £10, £20, and £50 notes showcasing Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing, respectively.