The Church of England’s national assembly rejected a proposal to restore 30% of its land for nature restoration by 2030, opting instead for an alternative amendment that does not include specific rewilding commitments.
The motion was introduced by Rev Canon Val Plumb, an area dean in Oxford, and would have aligned the church with an international conservation target adopted by the UK and over 100 other countries. The amendment passed by the General Synod, put forward by Right Rev Graham Usher, the lead bishop for the environment, outlines six steps the church intends to take, including continued support for nature restoration projects where appropriate and engagement with tenants regarding sustainable farming practices. Church officials stated the original motion conflicted with the institution’s legal obligations to maintain long-term financial growth.
Environmental advocates expressed disappointment with the outcome. Claire Rogers, a campaigner at Wild Card, a citizens’ movement focused on encouraging major landowners to rewild their properties, characterized the decision as a missed opportunity for moral leadership. She noted that the international 30 by 30 target was established by nearly 190 countries for specific reasons and argued that greater action is necessary given declining wildlife populations in the countryside.
The church manages approximately 42,500 hectares of land, making it one of England’s largest private landowners. Currently, only 3.5% of its holdings are designated for nature restoration. Other major landowners have committed to measurable environmental targets; for instance, the Crown Estate has pledged to manage 36% of its land for nature by 2030. The Church Commissioners stated they welcomed the passed amendment as balancing environmental support with fiduciary responsibilities, noting that approximately 90% of their farmland portfolio consists of productive agricultural land.
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