In a significant decision, the Church of England (C of E) has opted against a proposed initiative to restore 30% of its land to natural habitats by the year 2030. This choice has sparked backlash from environmental campaigners who argue that the church is failing to exhibit the moral leadership expected from one of the nation’s largest landowners.
Background on Church Land Ownership
The Church of England is a major landholder in England, possessing approximately 425,000 hectares (105,000 acres). Currently, only a mere 3.5% of this land is dedicated to nature restoration efforts. The call for a substantial increase in land set aside for ecological recovery was put forth by Rev Canon Val Plumb, who presented a motion during the General Synod aiming for the church to align with global commitments to restore land for biodiversity.
This initiative is part of a broader international pledge to restore 30% of land for nature by 2030, a target deemed critical for halting the ongoing decline of global ecosystems. However, during a recent vote, the Synod dismissed Plumb’s proposal, opting instead for a less ambitious amendment that lacks specific rewilding targets.
Details of the Synod’s Decision
The amendment, sponsored by Right Rev Graham Usher, the bishop responsible for environmental matters, outlines six alternative measures that do not commit the church to the “30by30” target. These measures include vague promises to support nature restoration projects and encourage sustainable farming practices among tenants, but they fall short of concrete commitments.
Prior to the vote, William Nye, the secretary general of the archbishops’ council, expressed concerns that the original motion conflicted with the church’s legal responsibilities and its duty to ensure the sustainability of its financial assets.
Response from Environmental Groups
Claire Rogers, a representative from Wild Card, a citizen-led movement advocating for the rewilding of land owned by major landowners, expressed disappointment with the outcome. “The church had a unique chance to take a stand for nature during a critical time when wildlife is in decline,” she stated. “With over 190 nations backing the 30by30 initiative, it’s clear this is a global priority that should not be ignored.”
Other prominent landowners have embraced measurable targets for biodiversity protection. The Crown Estate, for instance, has pledged to manage 36% of its holdings for nature by 2030, highlighting the contrast between its commitment and that of the Church of England.
Government’s Position and Broader Context
In conjunction with this decision, the UK government recently unveiled its strategy to achieve its own 30% restoration goal, which faced criticism for being inadequate in light of the escalating environmental crisis. Presently, only 7% of land in England meets the criteria established for this initiative.
The Church commissioners expressed their approval of the amendment passed by the Synod, emphasising a balanced approach that maintains their legal obligations while also supporting nature. They pointed out that approximately 90% of their farmland is highly productive, indicating a preference for integrating nature recovery with ongoing agricultural practices rather than committing to extensive land rewilding.
Why it Matters
The Church of England’s decision not to commit to a significant rewilding initiative has far-reaching implications. As one of the nation’s largest landowners, the church’s choices resonate beyond its own land, influencing public discourse on environmental stewardship and the moral obligations of institutions in the face of climate change. The failure to adopt measurable targets undermines the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss and may set a concerning precedent for other landowners. In a time when collective action is crucial for ecological restoration, the church’s reluctance to lead by example could hinder broader efforts to protect and restore the natural world.