It can be a very difficult thing to talk to others about what we wish to happen once we pass away and yet our attentions often turn to this thorny issue at this time of year. 
As the new year is upon us and we make New Year’s Resolutions, our thoughts wander to the kind of legacy we will leave.
Recently, at Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT), a long-standing member sadly passed away, generously leaving it a donation in her will.
It felt particularly fitting that, as someone who had enjoyed OPT land, her gift would contribute towards making trust land accessible to future generations.
From time to time, OPT receives donations through the wills of members or supporters (or occasionally their relatives) and such gifts make a real difference to the good work that the trust carries out all year round. 
Members are always busy, whether it’s creating new green spaces, delivering their wonderful Oxford Open Doors event or maintaining the trust’s land for public access — and there is always more to do. It helps OPT to plan for the future if it knows in advance of donation, of whatever amount.

Thanks to gifts in the last ten years, OPT has set up a land fund and bought land at Marston Hamm and Boars Hill, restored and opened up Oxford Castle, created nature reserves at Heyford Meadow and Wolvercote Lakes, restored the Martyrs’ Memorial and the Victoria Fountain, St Clements, and set up a long-term project for the restoration of Oxford’s traditional cast-iron railings.


As a charity, Oxford Preservation Trust receives no State or statutory funding and relies on membership subscriptions and attracting external funding. OPT is a charity dedicated to positive regeneration, conserving history for future generations and increasing public access and enjoyment of Oxford for everyone.
To discuss leaving a donation in your will, please contact OPT on 01865 242918 for a confidential and informal chat.