A respected local conservationist and ornithologist has chosen to leave a gift in his Will to Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, ensuring his commitment to protecting the environment will continue long into the future.
Dr Boyd Wykes, a former board member of Nature Conservation and founder of Owl Friendly Margaret River Region, said the decision reflects a desire to give back to the region he now calls home.
“The Margaret River region is a place with a lot of value — it’s really special,” Dr Wykes said. “I’ve reached an age where I’m paying attention to my Will and thinking about what will happen with the wealth that comes from being in my generation. I have children and they will inherit some of what we leave, but I always want to give back. I want some of that money that has come to me to go back to this region.”
Dr Wykes spent his professional career conducting ornithological research, consulting in environmental education and managing environmental and heritage matters in Western Australia for the Department of Defence.
Since retiring to Margaret River in 2011, he has dedicated much of his time to volunteering in the local conservation sector, including serving for many years on the board of Nature Conservation Margaret River Region. During this time, he began researching an unexpected population of South West Masked Owls in the Margaret River area — work that led to the discovery that rodenticides widely used by householders and businesses posed a major threat to owls and other wildlife through secondary poisoning.
Dr Boyd Wykes
In response, Dr Wykes helped lead a small group of volunteers to establish the Owl Friendly Margaret River campaign, raising awareness about the impacts of rodenticides and promoting safer alternatives.
Dr Wykes said leaving a bequest was a way of ensuring his commitment to protecting the local environment would continue after his lifetime. “The world is in trouble in so many ways — there are really big issues,” he said. “For someone such as me, focussing locally is where I feel I can make the greatest difference, and that can keep me sane. “Putting back into the environment here is my meaning in life now, and through leaving a bequest, that will continue after my death.”
Dr Wykes said he particularly valued that Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is an independent community organisation. “It’s a unique local conservation group because it’s not beholden to government,” he said. “It can speak out and be truly representative of this community.”
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 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 or phone 9757 2022.