The Church of England’s General Synod rejected a motion introduced by Rev Canon Val Plumb seeking to commit the denomination to rewilding 30% of its approximately 42,500 hectares of land by 2030. Currently, the church dedicates just 3.5% of its holdings to nature restoration activities.
Instead of supporting Plumb’s proposal, the assembly approved an alternative amendment championed by Right Rev Graham Usher, the lead bishop for the environment. The approved amendment outlines six steps for environmental stewardship without establishing specific rewilding targets. These steps include continuing to support nature restoration projects where feasible and engaging with tenants regarding sustainable farming practices. Church officials stated the original motion conflicted with legal obligations to maintain long-term capital growth, according to William Nye, secretary general of the archbishops’ council.
The decision drew criticism from environmental advocates, including Claire Rogers of Wild Card, a citizens’ movement focused on encouraging major landowners to commit to land restoration. Supporters of the 30 by 30 target note that over 190 countries have made similar international commitments, viewing such restoration as the minimum necessary to halt biodiversity decline. Currently, only 7% of English land meets the criteria established by the 30 by 30 target. Some major landowners have already committed to measurable goals, with the crown estate pledging to manage 36% of its land for nature by 2030.
Church commissioners expressed satisfaction with the adopted amendment, characterizing it as balancing environmental support with fiduciary responsibilities. Officials noted that approximately 90% of the church’s farmland holdings are productive agricultural land, indicating that their approach emphasizes integrating nature recovery into working landscapes while supporting food production and rural business resilience.
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