Robin © Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography
Giving in Memory
Thank you for thinking of us at this difficult time
A gift in memory of someone special is a lasting way to remember and honour them. By donating in memory, friends and family can take comfort in knowing that their gift is helping to protect the future of Dorset’s wildlife. And the wild places that meant so much to loved ones.
Donating in memory
A donation in memory is a truly special gift to honour the life of a loved one in a way that was meaningful to them. And will help protect Dorset’s wildlife and wild places.
Tribute pages
A tribute page is a way to remember a loved one by creating a special place for friends and family to come together. Share messages of support, light a virtual candle, or donate to a cause close to your loved one’s heart.
- Create your free tribute page with MuchLoved by clicking on the button below.
- Add an introduction, photos and videos, or post memories and light a virtual candle for your loved one. You can also add funeral service or memorial details.
- Share the link with friends and family so they can also add to the page with their own memories and personal messages.
Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Funeral collections
A funeral collection page is a special way for family and friends to make an online donation. At the same time, messages of support can be left, a candle lit and stories shared.
The page can also act as a funeral notice, to share details of the service such as the location, date and time. The page can be visited long after the service, holding memories, stories, pictures and videos. It can be used for any additional fundraising that loved ones might like to do.
It only takes a couple of minutes to create a free funeral collection page.
Sarah Hodgson / Chesil boardwalk with plaque
Celebration and commemoration giving
Celebrate an occasion or special person with a commemorative plaque on our beautiful Memory Tree on Brownsea Island, or on our stunning boardwalk at the Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre.
Trees provide us with comfort and hope in the face of an uncertain future (credit: James Burland/Dorset Wildlife Trust)
Leave a dedication in our Memory Wood
Plant a lasting memory to your loved one in our virtual Memory Wood. Write a dedication, add a photo, and make an optional donation in memory of someone special.
Kevin Maitland
Fundraising in memory
Why not take on a personal challenge, or fundraise together with friends and family, to raise money in memory of your loved one.
Nick Gray / Hogchester meadows
A gift in your will
Celebrate the life of a loved one by giving a gift that will last for generations; a gift meaningful to them and one that will allow others to enjoy Dorset’s wildlife and wild places for years to come – just as they did during their lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in memory?
We recognise that for many people, planting a tree is synonymous with commemorating a loved one. We love trees too. However, maintaining and protecting significant trees in a wild environment is not always practical and unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate this on our nature reserves. We do not regularly plant individual trees as part of our work. When we plant trees, we do so at scale either for natural flood management solutions, or to connect existing woodland. And saplings such as these are not of the right size, and do not have permanent tree guards, to take dedications in memory.
You may like to dedicate a plaque on our beautiful Memory Tree, on Brownsea Island. Choose from a leaf or a bird, to be engraved with a message of your choice, in remembrance of someone special.
Can I dedicate a bench in memory?
At some of our nature reserves, you might come across benches that have dedications and memorial plaques. We receive lots of requests for memorial benches and unfortunately, we are no longer able to offer these. The demand and maintenance required for these types of memorials is often higher than the capacity of our Land Management team and volunteers. Instead, we ask that you consider directing donations to a particular nature reserve which was special to your loved one – thus helping to maintain a living memorial that you can visit.
You may also like to dedicate a plaque on the stunning boardwalk at the Wild Chesil Centre, Portland. A lovely setting in which to commemorate a loved one, with a plaque engraved with a message of your choice.
Can I scatter ashes at one of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves?
Unfortunately, we cannot endorse the scattering of ashes at our nature reserves. This is due to the environmental impact it can cause, particularly in relation to soil chemistry and biodiversity. As many of our sites are designated SSSI (sites of special scientific interest), our foremost priority is to protect the delicate balance that exists within these habitats. Thank you for your understanding.
Can I donate in memory via post, instead of online?
Yes, we gratefully accept donations in memory through the post. Simply include a note with your cheque to let us know the name of your loved one and send this to our address below. Please make cheques payable to ‘Dorset Wildlife Trust’ and send them to:
Dorset Wildlife Trust
Brooklands Farm
Forston
Dorchester
DT2 7AA
You can also donate in memory over the phone. Please give us a call on 01305 264620 and a member of our friendly team will process your gift for you.
Alternatively, if you would like to make a donation in memory online, you can do so using the link below.