In a debate on Tuesday morning, General Synod debated a private member’s motion regarding nature recovery and land use across the Church Commissioners for England’s estate.Church of England/Sam Atkins

The motion was proposed by Rev Valerie Plumb and called on the Church Commissioners to commit to the 30by30 target, which would require protecting 30 percent of its landholdings for nature by 2030. 

Introducing the motion, Rev Plumb said that “the Church Commissioners are doing some really good work in this area,” but added that the increasing urgency required more ambitious action. 

In introducing an amendment, the Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, said: “This amendment outlines what we are doing and provides challenge for the future. It combines ambition with practical implementation, reflecting the Commissioners’ legal responsibilities, landholding characteristics and operational realities.”

He added: “I stood for election as a Church Commissioner because I wanted to understand and challenge whether enough was being done. I have seen an increasing commitment to nature delivered by the Commissioners’ excellent staff, working with tenant farmers, ensuring 100% of harvested timber is certified, forests are sustainably managed, and strengthening nature recovery across our estate.”

The amended motion from Bishop Graham was carried in all three houses. 

In 2024, the Church Commissioners made significant commitments to Synod with regards to land and nature. It is currently carrying out those activities and is committed to report back to Synod on these in 2027.

The Motion as amended is: 

That this Synod In light of the UK Government’s adoption of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (“GBF”) including their commitment to protect 30% of land and seas for nature by 2030 [which it calls 30by30 on land in England], and the Church’s responsibility to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth; 

a) recognise the important role that large landowners such as the Church can play in supporting the delivery of the objectives of the GBF and responding to the escalating nature and climate crises;

 b) request the Church Commissioners to consider responsible investment efforts to continue to contribute to the UK Government’s implementation of the goals of the GBF, where consistent with their charitable objectives, specifically: 

i) aim to ensure that Sites of Special Scientific Interest are in favourable or improving condition, or under active management to support and improve the habitat; 

ii) where appropriate, continue to support nature restoration projects including in collaboration with environmental organisations, with the objective to support positive biodiversity outcomes; 

iii) in relation to farmland, engage and collaborate with tenants about sustainable farming; 

iv) in relation to UK forestry, aim to maintain 100% certification of harvested timber and manage forests in line with sustainable practices, with areas managed for native species and biodiversity in line with the approved forest plan; 

v) in relation to UK development land, aim to exceed 10 per cent Biodiversity Net Gain for developments across the portfolio; and 

vi) report on their activities and outcomes in 2027 as per the Land and Nature motion (GS2319) in February 2024.”