Marbled white butterfly on a common spotted orchid in a wildflower meadow © Tom Marshall
Leave a gift in your Will
Protect the wildlife and wild places you love, so they can be here forever
After taking care of the people closest to you, you may wish to include a gift to Cheshire Wildlife Trust in your Will. People choose to do this for many reasons: a love of local places, a passion for nature’s recovery or a wish to make a lasting difference close to home.
Including this type of gift is one of the kindest and most powerful ways you can protect the wildlife and wild places you have always loved, safeguarding them for future generations to know and enjoy.
Many of our supporters and members choose to leave a gift for nature, ensuring their compassion for wildlife continues to make a difference long into the future. You too can help nature recover by adding a gift in your Will.
Anyone who cares about wildlife has a marvellous opportunity to do something quite unique, by remembering their local Wildlife Trust in their Will.
This generous act is one of the most important things you can do to make sure the species and habitats we love will be there for future generations to know and enjoy.
Tom Marshall
Our promise to you
If you choose to include a gift in your Will to Cheshire Wildlife Trust, we promise to:
- treat your gift with care, respect and responsibility
- use your gift exactly as you intend
- manage funds transparently and ethically
- focus on long-term nature recovery
- offer clear information with no pressure
Frequently asked questions about leaving a gift in your Will
If you’re considering leaving a gift in your Will to Cheshire Wildlife Trust, you may have questions about how the process works. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about making or updating a Will, choosing the type of gift and inheritance tax. If there’s anything you’d prefer to talk through, please get in touch, we’re always happy to help.
How do I make a Will?
With the support of a qualified solicitor or legal professional, making a Will is usually straightforward. The Wildlife Trusts are members of Remember a Charity, an organisation that helps people understand how to include charitable gifts in their Wills. They provide a simple guide to getting started.
If you don’t already have a solicitor, The Law Society has a directory to help you find a regulated professional near you. We always recommend seeking professional advice to ensure your wishes are clearly recorded and legally valid.
I already have a Will, do I need to write a new one?
Not necessarily. If you would like to make some small change, such as adding a gift to Cheshire Wildlife Trust, your solicitor can usually update your existing Will using a codicil (a legal document that amends your current Will).
It’s important to speak to your solicitor first to make sure any changes do not contradict existing clauses. This ensures your wishes are carried out exactly as you intend.
What type of gift can I leave to Cheshire Wildlife Trust?
There are three main types of gift you can leave in your Will:
- A specific sum of money (pecuniary gift). This is a fixed amount of money.
- A share of your estate (residuary gift). This is a percentage of your estate after other gifts, debts and expenses have been paid. Many supporters choose this option because it naturally keeps pace with inflation and doesn’t usually need updating over time.
- A specific item. Such as property, land, shares, or a valuable item that can be sold to support our work protecting wildlife across Cheshire.
Every gift, whatever its size, helps safeguard local nature reserves, restore habitats and inspire future generations to value wildlife.
What wording do I need to include in my Will?
To leave a gift to Cheshire Wildlife Trust, your solicitor will need our full legal details:
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Registered Charity Number 214927
Bickley Hall Farm, Bickley Lane, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8EF
If helpful, you can share the wording below with your solicitor. They will ensure your Will is legally valid and properly drafted.
For a specific sum (pecuniary gift):
"I give free of tax to Cheshire Wildlife Trust (Registered Charity Number 214927 of Bickley Hall Farm, Bickley Lane, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8EF) the sum of £...... for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of its Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge."
For a share of your estate (residuary gift):
"Subject to the payment of my debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, I give ......% of my estate not otherwise disposed of by this my Will to Cheshire Wildlife Trust (Registered Charity Number 214927 of Bickley Hall Farm, Bickley Lane, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8EF) for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of its Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge."
Is a gift to Cheshire Wildlife Trust exempt from inheritance tax?
Yes. Gifts to registered charities are currently exempt from inheritance tax. This means the value of your gift to Cheshire Wildlife Trust will be deducted from your estate before tax is calculated.
Tax rules can change, so it’s always best to discuss your personal circumstances with your solicitor or financial adviser.
Should I let you know I have included a gift in my Will?
We would be very grateful if you did, although there is absolutely no obligation. Letting us know allows us to thank you properly and keep you updated on the work your future gift could make possible. It also helps us plan confidently for the long-term protection of wildlife in Cheshire.
Telling us is not legally binding, and you can change your Will at any time.
What if I change my mind?
Your Will is entirely your decision. You are free to update or amend it whenever you wish. If you do change, add or remove a gift to Cheshire Wildlife Trust, we would appreciate hearing from you — but again, there is no obligation.
