What is a legacy? 

In the words of Hamilton, the musical, it is “planting a seed in a garden you never get to see” Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, we couldn’t have put it better ourselves. 

Those seeds planted by the people who have left a gift in their will to Suffolk Wildlife Trust are firmly etched into the history of many of the trust’s nature reserves. Those gardens are now flourishing and creating a legacy for future generations. 

(Above: Arger Fen nature reserve has benefitted from gifts in wills, making it an exciting place for nature today)

Legacy gifts of all sizes have been instrumental in the purchase of every one of our nature reserves in recent years and have made possible our most transformative work. Like Arger Fen, once a small section of bluebell woodland multiple legacies have enabled us to buy and restore adjoining land for a more connected and better habitat for wildlife.  

It’s a common myth that it is just the rich and famous that leave gifts to charity. Leaving a legacy is for anyone who sees the spark of hope in the future, for that garden they will never see. 

Every penny that is given in a legacy is wisely used. We ensure that legacy gifts are kept separately from the Trust’s day-to-day finances and spent strategically on achieving our vital conservation goals. 

Funding transformative projects

Legacy gifts in the past have been enough to kick-start or complete some major initiatives — such as Martlesham Wilds. 

Within the Suffolk & Essex Coasts & Heaths National Landscape it was Pam & George Ford’s kind legacy that enabled the trust to buy the organic farm on the banks of the River Deben. Already home to a wonderful array of plants, animals and invertebrates this new nature reserve would not have been possible without their generosity.

Martlesham Wilds is in the early stages of it's life as a nature reserve, but we have already seen so many promising signs that wouldn't have been possible without Pam & George's legacy gift in their wills. 

Other reserves which have benefited from gifts in wills include, Carlton Marshes, Captain's Wood, Black Bourn Valley and Bradfield Woods. Discover more about these reserves on our Legacies Stories page. 

How to leave a gift in your will 

If you would like to leave a gift to nature in your will we would be honoured to be your chosen charity. 

Alex and Gina, in our philanthropy team can answer any questions you may have via email. Or you can fill our form on our legacy page. There is also a link to a 'Making your will' guide on this page which will give you step by step advice on naming a charity in your will to receive a legacy gift. 

To all our supporters, thank you for helping to ensure your love for the natural world continues to make an impact for a long time, your legacies are securing a greener, wilder future.