Peter's love for wildlife goes back over 30 years – having retired at 52, he wanted to spend time volunteering at his local nature reserves, protecting the wildlife he loved and spending more time focusing on his birdwatching passions. 

Peter reached out to us when he was struggling with his mobility. Unable to get stuck in with hands-on conservation after spending many years as a dedicated volunteer, he searched for a new way to get involved. With the arrival of his latest member's magazine, Lapwing, he saw an article written by our Lunt Communications Officer, Molly, and decided to head down to Lunt Meadows to see if Molly was around. By luck, he bumped into Molly on arrival and from there, we were introduced to each other and have enjoyed many chats over coffee about his wishes, and how he would like to support a cause close to his heart now, rather than leaving his gift in his will.  

It's been lovely to hear how reconnecting with wildlife has helped to improve Peter's wellbeing. In that time, he turned to his garden. He began growing fruit and vegetables again in his raised beds, and is awaiting the arrival of spring so he can get growing once more. He listed some of the wonderful finds he's spotted – a newt in his compost heap, a heron perched on the fence and buzzards soaring overhead.

Peter's favourite part of his mornings is having his coffee watching the garden birds empty his bird feeders; from magpies to long tailed tits, goldfinches and Fred the robin! Peter admitted how he had lost interest in birdwatching in the last few years due to not being able to get out and about so easily, which is why he wanted to support our work now, so that he can return to reserves and recapture the love of his favourite hobbies, birdwatching and painting nature.  

Peter saw things that he wanted to help us improve upon at the reserves closest to his home, Lunt Meadows and Mere Sands Wood. As he struggled to make it around the reserve without stopping for rest, Peter felt it would be a wonderful idea to donate towards some more benches and leaning areas, to enable him to get from hide to hide and spot the birds he's admired for many years. It was important to Peter that his donation was invested somewhere he could directly see the results and benefit from the reserve improvement firsthand - the true joy of gifting us with a "living legacy". 

Peter has loved nature his whole life. And his living legacy, true to his values, will allow himself and others to get closer and connect to nature. By choosing to donate now, Peter will be able to experience first hand the amazing impact his gift will have. Donations of this scale make a huge impact in keeping the Trust’s future secure, and enable us to step up our efforts for wildlife and aim our ambitions even higher right now. But every gift — large or small — is hugely appreciated, and makes a genuine difference to our work. 

Peter's gift has been a sign that we can turn things around for wildlife in Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, and a shining example of how kindness and generosity from individuals can make a positive difference for nature. 

If you're interested in following in Peter's footsteps by gifting a "living legacy", please get in touch with us at lcoxhead@lancswt.org.uk. We can also help you make the most of your gift for wildlife - did you know leaving a gift to charity can reduce your inheritance tax? Learn more here.