Puffins, dolphins and bumblebees in running to feature on new UK banknotes

Puffins, dolphins and bumblebees are among the wildlife that could feature on new banknotes in the UK as the Bank of England announces its shortlist.

There has been controversy over the decision, with figures including Nigel Farage criticising the Bank for, he claimed, wanting to replace Winston Churchill with a beaver. The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, said it was “a silly thing to do”, and Reform UK’s Farage called it “absolutely crackers”. In the end, no beaver appeared on the shortlist. Mammal options include bottlenose dolphins and red foxes.

However, it is primarily an anti-counterfeiting measure. Announcing the consultation, the Bank defended the decision and said banknotes were updated periodically to incorporate the newest security and accessibility features.

It said the wildlife imagery “provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK”. The Bank added that the notes would have security technology to help prevent counterfeiting and said animals were especially well suited for this.

The European hedgehog has made the mammals shortlist. Photograph: Image Professionals GmbH/Alamy

The RSPCA has also criticised the Bank, saying it should focus on less well-loved animals such as pigeons, rats and seagulls.

A panel of wildlife experts helped come up with the shortlist, which can be voted on by the public from today. All species included are native to Britain and the list contains endangered creatures such as Atlantic salmon and the marsh fritillary butterfly.

The winning wildlife will replace figures including Jane Austen, Winston Churchill and Alan Turing to become the central image on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. Only the animals on the list will be considered.

The list has been grouped into three categories: mammals, birds and one category combining amphibians, insects and fish. The public can select up to two examples from each category in a consultation running until 3 July.