Our Coast, Our Sea - Make nature your legacy

7 October 2010

Once a love of nature has us in its grasp, it becomes part of us and, we want to protect it. Will for Wildlife Week, from 18 to 22 October, offers nature lovers the chance to take action for the benefit of wildlife and future generations.
Anyone with an interest in nature will have green spaces in their local area that are special to them – perhaps it’s somewhere to walk the dog, sit and think, or play with the children.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust looks after over 60 wonderful spaces in Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle to ensure they remain a healthy habitat for wildlife and people’s enjoyment. But it cannot do this without the generous support of the public and legacies are one of its most important sources of income. Whether it’s the stir of the wind in the leaves, the brush of wildflower petals at your ankles or the hum of bees collecting nectar that gives you pleasure, your mark can be left indelibly within them if you leave a will for wildlife. A donation of any size could help purchase new land to transform into a thriving habitat, go towards managing a wetland where wading birds can thrive, or connect fragmented patches of woodland or wildflower meadow, linking them into a new living network.

Donations of all sizes have helped Northumberland Wildlife Trust protect wildlife for the future on many of its reserves and in 2006 it was able to purchase an area of coastline at Cresswell, Druridge Bay as a new nature reserve.

Sir David Attenborough, Vice-President of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Anyone who cares about wildlife has a marvellous opportunity to do something quite unique, by remembering Northumberland 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 enjoy.”
Northumberland Wildlife Trusts’ Chief Executive, Mike Pratt, added: “Legacies make a huge difference to our work. A donation of any size to our charity in your will means you can look after the natural environment on your doorstep, making sure your ancestors can benefit from it the same way that you have.”

He continued: “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.”