Leaving a legacy to the Friends will help to secure the future of the Pinetum and may help you avoid inheritance tax.

Legacies

If you are thinking of revising your will, or making one for the first time, you could also help to secure the future growth and development of Bedgebury. A bequest to the Pinetum can help protect this unique and beautiful place, giving future generations the chance to enjoy its peace and tranquillity.

Why should I leave money to the Pinetum?

Bequests are an increasingly important source of income for all charities and the Friends are no exception. Because we are an independent charity, money left to the Friends can be used in ways that would not normally be sanctioned by the Treasury (via the Forestry Commission). Some of our recent projects have been

Research and Conservation

Sending staff to China and Vietnam to study conifers in the field, collect seed and help with their conservation.
Purchase and propagation of new species of conifers.
Purchase of additional equipment and machinery for Pinetum staff.

Education

Meeting part of the travel costs for inner city schools to make educational visits to the Pinetum
Providing educational equipment and resources.

Visitors

Helping to maintain the peace and tranquillity of the Pinetum.
Providing tree information boards around the Pinetum.
Providing easier access and facilities for the disabled.

Don’t let the Taxman get your money

Increases in property values mean that more and more people have estates that exceed £312,000[1], the threshold for inheritance tax, the balance of your estate is subject to tax at 40%. This means if your estate is worth £400,000, £35,000 goes to the taxman. The two main ways to avoid this are to leave money to your spouse or to leave money to a charity. The other main method of avoiding this tax liability is to reduce your estate during your lifetime; your solicitor or financial advisor can help you with this.

Why making a will is important

A will is your way of making sure the people and causes that are important to you are looked after once you have died and your possessions are distributed in accordance with your wishes. It can give you peace of mind.

Failure to make a will means your estate is distributed in an arbitrary way and your loved ones may not benefit significantly. Even if you are married with children they will not automatically receive your estate. Sorting things out will be more difficult, uncertain and time consuming.

It is possible to make a will yourself, but it is recommended that you use a solicitor. Simple wills can cost as little as £50 to prepare. If you already have a will it can be modified by a codicil, click here to see a sample.

How to leave a legacy to the Friends

There are two main ways to leave a legacy to the Friends,

Residual Gift

Bequeath the residue of your estate after all other bequests and costs have been deducted or specify a percentage of the value of your estate to be left to the Friends. For example, a bequest of 5% of an estate valued at £50,000 would provide a gift of £2,500.

Pecuniary Gift

Leave a specific amount or an item to the Friends

Click here to download a sample PDF codicil to a will

[1] Limits for 2008/9, this normally increases in line with inflation.