The Church of England has decided not to implement plans to restore 30% of its land for environmental conservation. The decision was made during a meeting of the church’s national assembly held last Tuesday.

With ownership of approximately 42,500 hectares, the Church of England ranks among the largest private landowners in England. Despite its significant land holdings, only about 3.5% of this area is currently designated for nature restoration efforts.

The amendment passed by the assembly omitted any specific targets for rewilding or restoring natural habitats, signaling a departure from earlier proposals that sought more ambitious conservation commitments. Supporters of the initial plan had advocated for a measurable increase in land allocated to rewilding as part of broader environmental goals.

Details on the reasons behind the assembly’s decision to reject the 30% rewilding target have not been extensively disclosed. Some observers suggest concerns about the potential impact on land management practices, agricultural use, and economic considerations may have influenced the outcome.

The Church of England’s stance contrasts with increasing calls for large-scale habitat restoration across the UK, where experts and environmental groups often highlight the importance of rewilding as a tool for biodiversity recovery and climate resilience.

The church’s land management policies and environmental commitments will likely continue to be a subject of debate, reflecting broader national discussions over the balance between conservation, agriculture, and other land uses.