Legacy FAQs

1. What are the different types of legacy that I can leave?

Providing for your loved ones is the most important thing to consider when writing a will. However, once they have been considered you may wish to leave a legacy to support our work. You can do this by including a:

• Residuary legacy – this is a proportion of or the remainder of your estate, after everyone else has been provided for
• Pecuniary legacy - a gift of a fixed sum of money.
• Reversionary legacy - a gift which someone can benefit from in their lifetime. For instance, your house could be left for the use of a relative. When they die it could pass to someone else, or to an organisation like the National Forest Company
• Specific legacy - a particular named item left as a gift in your Will, for example a piece of art.
• Contingent legacy – a gift made on the basis of another event happening first. For example your Will could state that a gift only applies if all other beneficiaries named in your Will die before you do.

2. Are there inheritance tax benefits for leaving a gift in my will?

There are many issues that could affect the level of your inheritance tax, so you should ask your financial adviser/solicitor about your particular circumstances. Further information is also available from HM Revenue & Customs.

Any gift, large or small, helps the National Forest to grow and it could also help to reduce the inheritance tax on your estate. Your estate includes your house, stocks and shares, pensions, insurance policies, annual service benefits, cash, PEPs/ISAs, and savings accounts.

Your financial adviser/solicitor will be able to provide you with advice specific to your circumstances, including latest information on inheritance tax.

3. I haven't written a will yet, what should I do?

If you do not currently have a will you may need to see a solicitor. Although you will have to pay a fee, you will receive sound professional advice and can be sure that your wishes are honoured.

4. Wouldn't it be better to help now rather than later?

We are incredibly thankful to everyone who chooses to support our work, whenever and however they choose to do so.

If you are able to donate now we would be very grateful to receive it. Please visit our donate page to find out more. 

Money donated now is put to immediate use but many people are unable to give as much as they'd like during their lifetime. A gift in your will is a great way of giving more to a favourite organisation. Planning your giving in this way helps us to plan for the future of the forest as well.

5. I'm not wealthy, but I could leave a small gift in my will, is that of use?

Every gift we receive helps the Forest. After you have provided for those you care for, leaving a gift in your Will is a great way of making a difference to the Forest you care about.

6. What if I need to change my Will?

We appreciate that your circumstances may change at any time which could have implications for your will.

If you ever need advice about leaving a gift in your will we will do our very best to help you, but we will never put pressure on you to share the contents of your will, as we respect your privacy.

7. Do you need me to tell you that I’ve left a gift in my will to the National Forest?

You don’t need to tell us, but if you feel comfortable telling us your intentions then it will help us to plan our future work. We will also be able to keep you up to date with our work and invite you to special events if you would like us to.