The Church of England’s General Synod voted down a proposal to rewild 30% of its land holdings by 2030, opting instead for an alternative motion without specific numerical targets. The private motion was introduced by Rev Canon Val Plumb, an area dean in Oxford, and would have aligned the church’s land management practices with an international commitment adopted by over 100 countries to restore 30% of land for nature by that year.
Instead of supporting Plumb’s motion, the church’s national assembly passed an amended version put forward by Right Rev Graham Usher, the lead bishop for the environment. This alternative commits the church to six general steps, including supporting nature restoration projects where deemed appropriate and engaging with tenants regarding sustainable farming practices. Church leadership officials stated that the original motion conflicted with legal obligations and the need to maintain long-term capital growth, as explained by William Nye, secretary general of the archbishops’ council.
The Church of England controls approximately 42,500 hectares of land, positioning it as one of England’s largest landowners. Currently, only 3.5% of its property is dedicated to nature restoration efforts. Environmental campaigners criticized the decision as a missed opportunity for moral leadership. Claire Rogers, representing Wild Card, a citizens’ movement focused on persuading major landowners to rewild their properties, noted that the action fell short of necessary responses to wildlife decline in the countryside.
Other significant landowners have established measurable conservation targets. The crown estate has committed to managing 36% of its land for nature by 2030. The Church Commissioners defended the amended motion as striking an appropriate balance, noting that approximately 90% of their farmland portfolio consists of productive or highly productive agricultural land. They indicated their approach focuses on integrating nature recovery into active farming landscapes while supporting food production and strengthening rural business resilience.
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