The places we love, and what we leave behind
There are places that become part of our lives. Somewhere we walk through the changing seasons, spend time with family or find a little peace. For many people, Wandlebury, Grantchester and Cambridge’s other green spaces hold those connections.
Leaving a gift in your will is one way to help the places you value remain for the people who come after you.
For our recent Ring magazine, we spoke with James Marsh, Legal Director at Birketts LLP and a specialist in wills and estate planning, about making a will and the difference a charitable gift can make.
A thoughtful decision, whatever the size of your gift
One of the questions we put to James was whether someone might feel they simply did not have enough to leave.
“Wills are not only for people with large estates,” he explained. “A home, savings, investments and personal possessions can all form part of an estate, and you may have clear wishes about what should happen to them.”
The same applies to charitable gifts. You do not need to leave a large sum to make a contribution to a cause you care about.
As James explained, many people provide for their loved ones first, then leave a gift to charity from what remains. That might be a fixed amount or a share of their remaining estate.
For Cambridge Past, Present & Future, a gift could help care for the woodlands and meadows at Wandlebury, support nature recovery at Coton Countryside Reserve or protect the historic buildings that connect Cambridge with its past.
Together, gifts of different sizes can help sustain the work these places need, year after year.
Generosity with a personal connection
Lasting gifts often begin with something deeply personal: an experience, a memory or a wish to help others enjoy something that mattered to us.
At Wandlebury, a recent gift in memory of Andrew Perry shows what that can mean in practice.
Andrew loved spending time outdoors. As his mobility declined, his family particularly valued places where he could continue exploring alongside them. They have generously donated a second Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter to Wandlebury, helping more people with limited mobility enjoy its woodlands, meadows and unsurfaced paths with family and friends.
“We all have happy memories of time with him out and about,” his family said. “As his mobility reduced, we welcomed visiting anywhere where he could still get out and keep exploring. We are delighted to donate the scooter to Wandlebury, so it might help others in a similar position.”
Their donation was made in Andrew’s memory. It illustrates something shared by many forms of giving, including gifts in wills: the opportunity to carry forward what someone valued and create new possibilities for others.
Taking the first step
Making a will can feel like something to put off. James’s advice is reassuring: you do not need to have every detail worked out before speaking to a solicitor.
“Think of it as taking control,” he said. “You are making thoughtful decisions about the people, places and causes that matter to you, while making things easier for those you leave behind.”
If Cambridge’s countryside, nature and heritage have been part of your life, remembering Cambridge Past, Present & Future in your will could help them remain part of someone else’s.
For a confidential conversation about leaving a gift in your will, contact Hannah at development@cambridgeppf.org.
We recommend taking independent professional advice when making or changing your will.
