British banknotes to feature wildlife, public input sought
The Bank of England has announced that its upcoming series of banknotes will replace historical figures with British wildlife, inviting the public to suggest which animals and birds should be depicted.
Jersey last updated its own banknotes in 2010, which still display the late Queen Elizabeth II alongside local landmarks. In contrast, Bank of England notes featuring King Charles began circulation in 2024.
This raises the question: should Jersey consider redesigning its banknotes?
In an island where finance and agriculture coexist, banknotes quietly reflect Jersey’s identity, culture, and priorities.
The 1989 series featured birds such as Dartford warblers, oystercatchers, and brent geese, while the current notes include a watermark of the Jersey cow. However, more than a decade later, the debate continues about what or who should be featured next.
Monarch on the money?
Guernsey has already made a decision regarding its banknotes. In 2024, it announced that its next series, expected from 2027, will not include a portrait of King Charles. Instead, the island is inviting local artists to propose new designs.
Jersey may eventually face a similar decision.
In a statement, the Treasury and Exchequer indicated that a public consultation could be one option for the next series of Jersey banknotes, although no final decision has been made on how a future redesign would be conducted.
A note‑worthy delay
The island considered the possibility of issuing new notes in 2025, but the Treasury reports that large stocks of the current D‑class family of banknotes remain in reserve.
The Government holds "a significant stock" of these notes, which will be used before any decisions on new designs are finalized. This means that "it is likely to be some time before any such decisions are made."
Government data shows that approximately £93 million worth of Jersey notes were in circulation at the end of 2025. Minimum print runs are required "to achieve value for money in a smaller jurisdiction such as ours."
The Treasury explained that this approach avoids unnecessary expenses and ensures "value is maintained on behalf of the public."
While a redesign is not imminent, the question of what should be featured on Jersey’s banknotes remains active.
If given the opportunity to choose, what would you want to see on the next Jersey banknote?
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