SINGERS from the Forest of Dean Climate Choir participated in a powerful flash mob protest at St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday, March 1, calling on the Church of England to commit to rewilding more of its land.

The group joined singers from across the country in performing a reworked version of the classic hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful, as part of a campaign to urge the Church Commissioners to take urgent action.

Choir member, Mollie Meager from Pillowell said: “We gathered just before the Evensong service. The basses stood up first, gradually followed by the rest of the choir. A priest rushed over with determination, but when he realised we were singing peacefully, he quietly walked away.”

The protest is part of the Rewild the Church campaign led by the Climate Choir Movement and environmental group Wild Card.

The Church Commissioners own 105,000 acres of landmost of which is in a poor ecological state. Currently, only 3% of the land is wooded, with much of it used for intensive farming.

The Climate Choir, along with supporters, is calling on the Church to rewild 30% of its estate by 2030.

Victoria Blair, a member of the choir, stressed the urgency of the campaign: “We’re in the lowest 10% for biodiversity in the whole world. As we tarmac over more and more nature, lose species, and cause rising global temperatures, rewilding has never been more important. Rewilding is the solution, and the Church of England should be leading the way.”

The Rewild the Church campaign, spearheaded by Wild Card, has gained significant traction, with over 100,000 supporters.

Hazel Draper, from Wild Card, shared her thoughts following the flash mob: “Hearing the voices of the choir resonate in St Paul’s Cathedral sends a clear message to the Church that they must fulfil their moral obligation to protect nature and all living creatures.”