Bluebells at Foxley Wood (credit: Richard Osbourne)
A wilder Norfolk: Your legacy
NWT members, Jan and David Midlane have chosen to leave a legacy to Norfolk Wildlife Trust. They know the Trust will use their gift to protect the natural environment for future generations.
We have been fortunate to have lived in many beautiful places in the UK and France, but since we moved to Norfolk 15 years ago, we have found our ‘home’. There are so many wonderful and wild areas, it is difficult to choose a favourite—Holme Dunes and along the coast to Cley have got to feature, as have The Broads and the magical Foxley Woods. However, it is sometimes the unexpected tiny gem that we discover that delights us most.
We have gained so much from being able to enjoy nature and the outdoors. We hope that by leaving a legacy to NWT, we can help to preserve and increase the opportunities for everyone, regardless of income, to be able to access such precious resources. Maybe it is idealistic to expect less greed and materialism, but if we can protect as much of the natural environment as possible then there will always be hope. It must be better to leave the ‘real thing’ for future generations to experience rather than a ‘digital’ representation.
Jan and David Midlane (Credit: Leigh Barton)
Both of us love the sea and coastal areas, but then the woodlands and the rivers call — it is all life and all miraculous and we are so lucky to have access to such a variety of natural environments.
Sometimes one can feel overwhelmed by the climate crisis, so maybe it is better for us to concentrate our efforts locally where we know we can make a difference. If this happened across the world then small community projects that engage local stakeholders might create a real force for change.
We have confidence that Norfolk Wildlife Trust will do the right thing with our legacy. Their level of communication is second to none and the staff and volunteers we have met are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about the environment and welcoming to all.
The targets of increasing land acquisition, education and understanding and offering careers in conservation is absolutely the correct balance. Without wild places we have nothing, without education, understanding and committed people at all levels, no way of taking things forward. It gives us great satisfaction to know we are helping to protect something we love from the ravages of the modern world, for the wellbeing of people and the planet. The thought of a future without, for example, an oak or a curlew, without natural spaces, without harmony is not one we wish to contemplate.
Once you have taken care of your loved ones, please consider including a gift to Norfolk Wildlife Trust in your Will.
Every penny Norfolk Wildlife Trust receives from gifts in Wills helps us care for wildlife and plan for the future of our nature reserves covering some 12,000 acres across the county.
If you would like to discuss leaving a gift to Norfolk Wildlife Trust or would like to let us know that you have remembered us in your Will, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01603 625540 or legacies@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk