Will for Wildlife Week
Wednesday 12th October 2011
Image: Zsuzsanna Bird
Will for Wildlife Week takes place from 17 - 21 October 2011
From cuckoos to curlews to chalkstreams, gifts in wills can help The Wildlife Trusts protect some of our most precious species and habitats. During Will for Wildlife Week, from Monday 17 to Friday 21 October, The Wildlife Trusts are encouraging wildlife-lovers to leave a legacy that will help protect nature for future generations.
Across the UK, local Wildlife Trusts manage special wild places including wetlands, wildflower meadows and urban wildlife nature reserves. A gift in someone’s will can play a vital role in allowing this work to continue. For example, a legacy received by Durham Wildlife Trust has funded work to restore habitat and breeding sites for the small pearl-bordered fritillary, one of the most endangered butterflies in Northern England.
The Wildlife Trusts work to protect our species and habitats that are under threat and gifts in wills, of any size, can help with this work. Someone who remembers their local Wildlife Trust in their will could help to create a new nature reserve for wild creatures to colonise and for people to enjoy, help with work to protect a specific species, such as erecting nest boxes for swifts, or support our work to educate and empower local communities to take action for wildlife.
Sir David Attenborough, Vice-President of The Wildlife Trusts, said:
“A legacy to your local Wildlife Trust is a very special gift that can do remarkable things to help the wildlife treasures on your doorstep. Please, consider remembering The Wildlife Trusts in your will.”
Kate Barker, Membership and Legacies Manager for The Wildlife Trusts, added:
“We believe many people would like to write, or update, their will to reflect their current situation but simply haven’t got round to it yet. A clearly written will, kept updated throughout your life, is essential to ensure that your wishes are respected.”
Select solicitors are offering discounts on will writing in connection to Will for Wildlife week. To find out if there are any in your area, or if you want to know how else you can get involved in Will for Wildlife Week, please contact your local Wildlife Trust. You can find their details at www.wildlifetrusts.org/yourlocaltrust.