In a world where the impact of climate change is increasingly evident, one might wonder: What would Jesus do if he owned 105,000 acres of land? Would he prioritize profit or choose to rewild the land to restore wetlands, peatlands, and forests? This is the question posed to the Church of England’s investment arm, the Church Commissioners, who manage a significant land portfolio worth over £10.3 billion.
The Church Commissioners, being one of the UK’s largest landowners with expansive holdings from Devon to County Durham, are facing scrutiny over their land management practices. Despite owning vast stretches of land, much of it is primarily used for financial gain rather than ecological preservation. Shockingly, over half of their Sites of Special Scientific Interest are in “unfavourable condition,” and their land has a mere 4% tree coverage, significantly below the UK’s national average of 13%.
These revelations have prompted wildlife enthusiast Chris Packham to launch a campaign in collaboration with the rewilding movement Wild Card, urging the Church Commissioners to rewild 30% of their land by 2030. With the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, acknowledging that “God is green” and advocating for environmental stewardship, there is a growing call for the Church to align its actions with its principles.
While the Church Commissioners have taken some positive steps, such as establishing a nature reserve along the River Wye, there is a pressing need for more decisive action. Given the global push towards nature conservation and rewilding, the Church has a unique opportunity to lead by example and contribute significantly to the protection of biodiversity.
Despite previous divestment from fossil fuels in accordance with the Paris Agreement, Packham and a coalition of supporters are now urging the Church Commissioners to commit to protecting 30% of land and seas for nature by 2030. This ambitious target, known as the Kunming-Montreal framework, is crucial for the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity, especially in a country like England where less than 3% of land is adequately protected.
By embracing rewilding and committing to the 30×30 initiative, the Church Commissioners have the potential to become trailblazers in environmental conservation. This proactive stance not only aligns with their ethical values but also sends a powerful message to communities worldwide about the urgent need for action in addressing ecological challenges.
In a time marked by environmental degradation and species extinction, the call for rewilding is not just a matter of ecological restoration but a moral imperative. Embracing a radical approach to conservation, akin to the teachings of Jesus, can pave the way for a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.