The future of England's natural landscape hangs in the balance as the government's plan to restore nature by 2030 faces fierce criticism. This plan, which relies heavily on voluntary efforts from landowners, has been labeled as 'pathetic' and 'insufficient' by environmental experts and conservationists. The target of protecting and enhancing 30% of nature by 2030, agreed upon by over 100 countries, seems like a distant dream with only 7% of England's land currently meeting this criterion.
One of the key issues highlighted is the lack of legal protections for nature. The government's strategy, critics argue, continues the failed politics of the past, outsourcing the nature crisis to private landowners who may not prioritize nature recovery. Guy Shrubsole, a nature writer, calls for a radical shift, urging the new government to legally protect more land, give national parks a duty for nature recovery, and fund habitat restoration projects.
The Church's Role
The Church of England, one of the country's largest landowners, is facing its own internal battle over rewilding 30% of its land. Rev. Canon Val Plumb, an advocate for this motion, believes it's a moral obligation to protect creation. However, opposition within the church cites legal obligations for 'long-term capital growth' as a barrier. Ben Goldsmith, an environmentalist, challenges this view, arguing that new revenue streams from nature-based initiatives are now available.
Chris Packham, another prominent environmentalist, highlights the issue of land ownership concentration, with 1% of the population owning 50% of the land, as a major hurdle for nature conservation efforts. The motion to rewild, if passed, would need majority support from the 480 Synod members.
Legal and Doctrinal Imperatives
A legal opinion commissioned by the Wild Card campaign group found that the Church Commissioners are legally free to restore 30% of their land. Prof. Mark Hill KC wrote that it is both an ecological and doctrinal imperative for the Church to implement the 30by30 target. The Church Commissioners, however, maintain that their focus is on sustainable farming and forestry, citing the nature of their land holdings.
A Step Change Needed
The government's plan acknowledges the need for a step change in ambition and coordination to meet the 30by30 target. While it identifies land with potential to contribute to the goal, it lacks specific plans and timelines for creating new protected areas. The success of the strategy, according to ministers, depends on the actions of landowners and organizations with an interest, such as water companies.
In my opinion, this plan feels like a missed opportunity. It's a desperate plea rather than a robust strategy. The environmental crisis demands bold action, and voluntary efforts alone won't cut it. We need legally binding protections and a whole-system approach to restore nature. The Church's role in this could be pivotal, but it seems they are caught between legal obligations and their moral duty to protect creation. This is a critical juncture, and the decisions made now will shape England's natural landscape for generations to come.
