Eileen recently purchased a bird plaque on our commemorative Tree of Life at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park in memory of Peter. Whilst speaking with Eileen, I asked what had motivated Peter to leave a gift in his Will as I’m always fascinated by such kind-hearted generosity.
A lasting love of nature
Home to scuttling Pygmy Shrews, snuffling Badgers and soaring Marsh Harriers, Tollesbury Wick showcases some of Essex’s most impressive wildlife.
Peter and Eileen had an enduring mutual appreciation of the natural world in the 43 years they were together. When Peter passed away in 2021, he kindly left a gift in his Will to Essex Wildlife Trust, so we could continue our work protecting the natural world that had brought him and his partner such joy.
She recounted that their relationship blossomed as she shared her love of wildlife with Peter. In Eileen’s words, Pete soon became hooked and was ‘quite the botanist’, taking time to research the habitats and behaviours of flora and fauna. He loved watching the birds and she recalls how he managed to spot all three types of diver (red throated, black throated and great northern) on the Blackwater.
They enjoyed trips to Tollesbury, where they spotted many raptors and short-eared owls. As a team, they marvelled at the variety of species at Chafford Gorges and they spent many hours hunting for a rare little plant called crested cow-wheat (melampyrum cristatum) which, after plotting all possible locations on a map of Essex, they eventually found whilst walking along a lane on both sides of the verge.
For Peter, leaving a gift in is Will ensured his love of nature could live on.
If you’d like more information on funeral donations, our commemorative Tree of Life, memorials or gifts in Wills, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
You can call our Legacy team on 01621 735233, email legacies@essexwt.org.uk or visit www.essexwt.org.uk/celebrate-commemorate
