A valid will is the only guaranteed way for your wishes to be carried out and for your legacy to reach the Trust.

How to make a new will

Making a will isn’t complicated and needn’t be expensive:

• First, appoint a professional adviser - usually a solicitor or bank.
  
• Next, work out how much you have to leave, including the total sum of your property, money and possessions, less any outstanding mortgages or loans.
  
• Decide who you want to benefit from your will. For example, your family, friends and favourite charities or good causes.
  
• Choose executors to make sure your wishes are carried out. These can be professional advisers, friends or family members – or one of each.
  
• Finally, keep your will safe and make sure your executors know where to find it. Give one copy to your solicitor or bank.

How to update an existing will

It’s vital to review your will at intervals to ensure it still reflects your wishes and circumstances. For instance, if you move house or get married, or someone mentioned in your will dies, you may need to change it. Speak to your solicitor or bank about the simplest way to revise your will quickly and cost-effectively.

Suggested legacy wording to take to your solicitor

"I bequeath to the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty (‘the Trust’) of Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA, Registered Charity Number 205846, the sum of £_______ (for a pecuniary bequest), or: the residue of my estate (for a residuary bequest) to be used by the Trust at its discretion."

• To make a property-specific gift add:
  "for or towards the upkeep, maintenance or improvement of ______________ (property)."
• To make an appeal-specific gift add:
  "toward the _____________ ( Neptune Coastline Campaign, the Lake District, Snowdonia, Peak District or other long-term appeal)"
• To make a project-specific gift add:
  "for or towards the ____________ work (e.g. educational) of the Trust."

Many people chose to make a donation of chattels (an item or items that they own) to the Trust in their Will; for instance, special belongings such as a piece of furniture, a painting or even the contents of a house.

The National Trust would be pleased to discuss this with you or to arrange for someone to visit your home. With the wide range of properties and number of holiday cottages in its care, the Trust has a unique ability to find a home for such things.

In the event that it is not possible to place or use the item(s), you can determine if they may be sold, with the proceeds used in accordance with your wishes. We appreciate that personal belongings are very special and any such transactions are handled with great care and sensitivity.

As with property, we would ask that you get in touch with the Trust first to discuss your intentions.

Further advice and information

If you have any questions or require further advice, please contact the National Trust legacies department, who will be happy to help you. We can also send you our free 'Guide to Making or Updating your Will'.We have also provided the answers to frequently asked questions about leaving a gift in your will.

The National Trust gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Duresta in supporting the publication of our legacy literature. For 70 years Duresta has continued in the English tradition as makers of 'Country House' upholstery and are suppliers to the foremost furnishing specialists throughout the world. Duresta holds a unique licence to reproduce upholstered pieces from collections found in National Trust historic houses. For more information about the Duresta National Trust Collection, please visit www.Duresta.com or telephone 0115 973 7000