Leaving a gift in your will: frequently asked questions

What types of gifts can I leave?

There are three types of gifts you can leave. The first is a specific gift, which is a named item such as an ornament or a piece of jewellery. The second is a pecuniary gift, which is a specific sum of money. The third is a residuary gift which is a percentage of your estate from that which is left over after other gifts, debts and taxes.

What is an executor?

The executors of your will are the ones who administer it and ensure that your wishes are carried out. They notify your beneficiaries about their gifts. You can name a relative, friend or a professional such as a solicitor, or a combination of people.

You can name someone who is benefiting from your will as an executor.

How will my gift be used?

Most people leave their gift to CPRE so that it can be used where it is most needed and will have the most effect, rather than a specific campaign. Your gift will be used wisely and effectively. We are grateful to our legators for making sure the countryside and our natural green spaces are protected for everyone.

You can choose to leave a gift to a local CPRE, to protect a particular area of the countryside that is special to you. Just specify the name of the local CPRE (you can find the names of every local CPRE here).

Can CPRE help me with the wording in my will?

In line with The Code of Fundraising Practice, CPRE is unable to draft, or be directly involved in drafting, wills in their favour. We would advise you to use a legal professional to finalise the wording of your will.

Do I need to tell CPRE if I’m leaving a gift?

You don’t have to tell us you decided to leave a gift to CPRE in your will. However, if you let us know of your intentions, we would love to say thank you and keep you updated on our recent work and campaigns.

Letting us know that you have included CPRE or are considering including CPRE in your will is not legally binding. Letting us know is purely to help us provide you with the best support. Any details you share with us will be kept confidential.

Using our free will writing service does not require you to leave a gift to us, although if you did your generosity would be greatly appreciated.

If you decide to leave a gift to CPRE but then change your mind, you can easily amend your will to accommodate this. Circumstances change, and we understand that your loved ones come first.

Gifts in wills and inheritance tax

Legacy gifts to a charity like CPRE are free of inheritance tax. Plus, if you leave more than 10%, you can reduce the amount of tax you pay on your remaining taxable estate.

How do I change or add to an existing will?

If you’ve already written a will and would now like to update it or add a gift to CPRE, you can do this with a codicil. This is a document that allows you to make changes to your existing will instead of re-writing it. You would need two witnesses to complete your codicil, like your original will.

If you have any further questions, please contact legacyinfo@cpre.org.uk. We would be more than happy to provide support and help you through this process.