Young tawny owls by Terry Dunstan
Regardless of size, legacies help Cornwall Wildlife Trust to ensure that our conservation work continues to safeguard our county's wildlife and habitats well into the future.
Spend a moment to think about what represents the Cornish countryside to you. Is it the rugged coastline of the north or the more serene tree-lined coast of the south? Perhaps it's the purple haze of the heathland in the west or the carpets of bluebells in the woodlands of the east? It is so important that we don't take any of this wonderful countryside for granted.
We need to work together to ensure that future generations continue to enjoy everything that we love and appreciate about Cornwall and its wildlife. This is why leaving a legacy is so important. If you are thinking of remembering Cornwall Wildlife Trust in your Will, the following information should help.
Will for Wildlife month
October is Will for Wildlife month. It gives you the chance to make a new Will or update an existing Will in return for a donation. Generous local solicitors, who support Cornwall Wildlife Trust, offer this service for free to our supporters so that the donation goes directly to support our work. For a new Will the suggested donation is £80, a mirror Will is £140 and for to updte an existing Will is an suggested £40. To find out which solictors are taking part visit the Will for Wildlife month page.
Types of legacies
Pecuniary Bequest: This is when you leave a specific sum of money. Please remember that inflation may impact on the amount we may actually receive.
Specific Bequest: This is when you choose to leave a specific item such as a painting, jewellery or even your home.
Residual Bequest: You may choose to leave whatever is left over once all your other bequests are made and all costs met. This is the residue of your estate.
Making a new Will
If you need to make a Will, the first step is to talk to your solicitor. This will ensure that your Will is legally correct and that all your wishes are carried out.
Your solicitor will be able to help you:
•calculate the value of your estate
•choose the type of legacy to leave
•choose your executor(s)
Updating an existing Will
If you already have a Will and would like to include a legacy to the Trust, all you have to do is:
•contact your solicitor
•instruct your solicitor that you would like to remember the Trust in your Will
•discuss the details of the legacy with your solicitor
Your solicitor can then add your request to your existing Will. This is known as a Codicil.
For more information on legacies, please download our Make a Will for Wildlife leaflet. If you would prefer a hard copy of the leaflet, please contact the Trust.
Letting us know
Please let us know if you have included a legacy to Cornwall Wildlife Trust in your Will. This not only helps us to plan for the future but also means we can keep you up to date with the work of the Trust, should you wish to do so.
If you would like more information on legacies, or would like to let us know that you have remembered the Trust in your Will, please contact Jackie Southon, Deputy Head of Marketing and Fundraising on (01872) 273939 ext 256.