Cath's Story: Carrying Cornwall's wild future forward
When you spend much of your time ankle-deep in rock pools, watching the tide reveal extraordinary hidden worlds, you begin to understand the quiet power of nature’s resilience. And, for long-time Cornwall Wildlife Trust supporter Cath Francis and her wife, that connection runs deep. So deep, that when it came time to update their Wills, they chose to let their love of Cornwall’s wild places live on.
Cath featured in our recent Nature brings so much joy film, and we caught up with her recently to learn more about what Cornwall’s wildlife means to her, and her motivations for leaving Cornwall Wildlife Trust a gift in her will.
What was the motivation behind recently making your Will?
We had an extra nephew to add to our pre-existing wills. We made our wills early (as some might see it) as we were aware of how life can change when least expecting it, and felt it was less daunting to get our ducks in a row now, while it doesn’t feel challenging or upsetting.
Why did you decide to leave a gift for nature in your Will?
My wife and I are long-time supporters and members of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Over the past six years we have regularly volunteered with Shoresearch, we’re involved with our local associated marine group, and more recently I’ve also been volunteering with the West Cornwall Reserves working party. My wife now works for Cornwall Wildlife Trust in the central services team and so we get even more of an insight into the amazing work the Trust does across Cornwall and beyond. Although we love being involved with Cornwall Wildlife Trust during our lifetime, we wanted to leave something in our wills to help the work continue into the future.
"I feel most alive, stimulated, absorbed, relaxed, and connected when I remember I am not separate from nature but part of it... and the fragility alongside such resilience, is beyond inspiring."
What was your experience of the Will-writing process?
Hugely positive – we decided to take professional advice when updating our wills, and found them approachable, relaxed, and personable. They listened to what we were after from our wills and were very patient about making tweaks to ensure they properly reflect our wishes.
It was reassuring to know that we didn’t have to stick rigidly to an existing framework and that our final documents are both tailor-made and legally watertight.
What does nature mean to you?
Freedom and breath – I feel most alive, stimulated, absorbed, relaxed, and connected when I remember I am not separate from nature but part of it. It is everything. The permanence of nature despite its constant change, and the fragility alongside such resilience, is beyond inspiring.
Why do you love Cornwall?
First and foremost, the wildness. The more remote the better for me. We have such diversity, from the moors, to the drama of the coastline, the softer coast around the Helford, ancient woodlands – Cornwall’s got it all, and with it a real sense of identity and community.
What are your favourite wildlife moments?
My absolute best moments are at a really low tide on a still day on a rocky shore. Discovering exciting and new species is always amazing. Finding my first rainbow sea slug was pretty fantastic! But really, if I’m out in the wild I’m happy.
Did you enjoy featuring in our film?
Yeah, that was really fun! We were lucky to have a sunny, not-too-windy day for it and it was a good laugh with a great bunch of people. It also felt positive to take part in the film when gifts in wills can make such a significant contribution in supporting the vital work of the Trust now and in the future.
You can watch the Gifts in Wills film that Cath featured in below:
Feeling inspired?
If you feel inspired by Cath's story or would like to learn more about how gifts in Wills can help nature in Cornwall for generations to come, head to our main Gifts in Wills page.
Writing a will is a deeply personal experience, and you should always choose a solicitor or service you feel comfortable with. Cornwall Wildlife Trust works with a small number of will-writing partners to offer our supporters convenient options, but there’s no requirement to use them. The Trust receives no commission or financial benefit from these optional services, and there’s no expectation to leave us a gift.