The Church of England has voted against plans to restore 30% of its land for nature, sparking criticism from campaigners who say it failed to show moral leadership. The Church owns about 42,500 hectares (105,000 acres) of land, making it one of England’s biggest landowners, yet currently just 3.5% of its land is used for nature restoration.
The Rev Canon Val Plumb introduced a private motion to the General Synod calling for the Church to rewild 30% of its land by 2030. This target aligns with the international “30by30” commitment, which over 100 countries have adopted to halt and reverse global biodiversity decline. However, the motion was blocked on Tuesday, and the Church instead passed an amendment without measurable rewilding targets.
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Why the Church of England Rejected the Rewilding Target
The amendment, put forward by the Right Rev Graham Usher, the lead bishop for the environment, outlines six steps as an alternative. These include “where appropriate, continue to support nature restoration projects” and “engage and collaborate with tenants about sustainable farming.” William Nye, secretary general of the archbishops’ council, argued that Plumb’s motion was inconsistent with the Church’s legal obligations to ensure “long-term capital growth.”
Claire Rogers, a campaigner at Wild Card, criticized the decision, stating: “At a time when wildlife is collapsing in our countryside, we need much greater action than has been committed to today. Over 190 countries, including our own, committed to 30by30 for a reason – they can’t all be wrong.”
Comparison of Landowner Commitments to Nature Restoration
| Landowner | Land Area | Nature Restoration Target |
|---|---|---|
| Church of England | 42,500 hectares | No measurable target (current: 3.5%) |
| UK Government | N/A | 30% by 2030 (30by30) |
| Other large landowners (e.g., National Trust) | Varies | Measurable targets set |
Key Takeaways from the Church’s Decision
- Missed opportunity: The Church failed to adopt a measurable rewilding target, despite being a major landowner.
- Legal vs. moral obligations: The decision prioritized financial growth over environmental leadership.
- Global context: The UK’s 30by30 commitment contrasts with the Church’s inaction.
- Campaigner backlash: Groups like Wild Card urge stronger action to combat wildlife decline.
FAQ
What is the 30by30 target?
The 30by30 target is an international commitment to restore 30% of land and water for nature by 2030, aimed at halting biodiversity loss. Over 100 countries, including the UK, have signed on.
How much land does the Church of England own?
The Church of England owns approximately 42,500 hectares (105,000 acres) of land, making it one of the largest landowners in England.
What did the Church of England vote on?
The General Synod voted against a motion to rewild 30% of its land by 2030, instead passing an amendment with non-binding steps like supporting nature restoration projects where appropriate.
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