Nature Conservation Margaret River Region has opened a bequests program, offering supporters a meaningful way to continue to care for our region’s forests, rivers, coastlines and wildlife long into the future.
As pressures on the environment continue to grow, the region’s leading conservation organisation is now inviting supporters to help protect this precious landscape for generations to come by leaving a gift in their will.
The Margaret River region sits within one of only 36 Global Biodiversity Hotspots worldwide — home to rare and irreplaceable ecosystems under increasing pressure from habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and growing visitation. Bequests will form a key part of the long, shared effort to safeguard this environment and ensure conservation work can continue well into the future, says Nature Conservation CEO Aaron Jaggar.
Local Witchcliffe resident, long-time volunteer and supporter Miles Durand is the first person to publicly commit to a bequest, leaving a third of his estate to Nature Conservation Margaret River Region. The remainder of his estate will support other causes close to his heart, including affordable housing and humanitarian relief overseas.
Community planting and revegetation work like this is an important part of Nature Conservation’s work.
“For me, it’s about appreciation and responsibility,” Miles said. “My daily walks in the jarrah and marri forests are my passion — the orchids, the wildflowers, being part of nature. I’ve lived in this area since the 1960s and it’s become home.”
Miles said his decision was driven by both optimism and urgency. “I’m an optimist — I really believe we can make a big difference,” he said. “But there needs to be more support for groups like Nature Conservation. Bequests like this, from me and from others, are one way to help make that difference.”
Having volunteered for many years, Miles also spoke of the strong community culture behind the organisation. “Volunteering is just part of what people do down here,” he said. “You learn so much, you meet amazing people, and you get far more out of it than what you put in. I’ve always trusted Nature Conservation — the management, the people, the way it’s run.”
Miles Durand says he wants to keep caring for nature long into the future by leaving a bequest for Nature Conservation
Nature Conservation Margaret River Region delivers community-driven conservation across the region, including bushland restoration, coastal care, citizen science, education programs and hands-on work with local schools. Bequests help ensure this work can continue and adapt to future challenges.
“Leaving a gift in a will is a deeply personal decision,” said Nature Conservation’s CEO Aaron Jaggar. “It’s not about wealth — it’s about values, care for place and a commitment to the future. Every bequest, no matter the size, strengthens our ability to protect this extraordinary region over the long term.”
Including Nature Conservation Margaret River Region in a will is simple and flexible. With a percentage or residual gift, the bequest can adapt to changing circumstances, while ensuring it continues to support the conservation work they care about most.
People considering a bequest are encouraged to speak with their family and solicitor. Nature Conservation offers confidential information and support at every stage. Find out more at www.natureconservation.org.au/bequests/ or phone 9757 2022.
A beautiful spider orchid photographed in high quality remnant bushland, which Nature Conservation works to protect in the Margaret River region.