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The charity making life better by water

A young boy with dark brown hair in a grey hoodie crouches down on the towpath and looks out towards the canal.

Leave a gift in your Will

Pass on your love of canals through a gift in your Will and keep the magic alive for years to come.

  • Read the video transcript

    Okay, Granddad. Where is it then? I'm definitely in the right spot for it. Come on, Granddad. Where is it? Oh! Is that...? Is that it? Voiceover: For generations, our canals have brought us closer. Did you see that, Granddad? Voiceover: Help keep them alive with a gift in your Will to Canal & River Trust. Search 'Canal Wills' today and get your free canal guide.

Your gift to future generations

We often hear how canals have positively impacted people's lives, as well as the lives of their children, grandchildren, friends and communities.

But our much-loved historic network is becoming more vulnerable as it ages, and we need to ensure that it is here for future generations and wildlife.

Will you help shape the future of canals with a gift in your Will?

The impact of gifts in Wills

Read the stories of those who left a lasting legacy to canals, keeping cherished memories alive across our much-loved network.

Join our Legacy society

If you’ve included a gift to our charity in your Will, or you’re thinking of doing so, please do let us know. We’d love to thank you for your generosity and show you the impact gifts are making to canals and rivers.

To show our appreciation, you would become part of an exclusive group of pledgers. This community of like-minded canal lovers benefits from unique opportunities to see our work in action. Whether it’s the chance to see ongoing lock gate repairs or to hear talks from senior leaders and experts at the Trust, you’ll get exclusive behind the scenes insight into our work.

Take a sneak peek of what you can expect at a gifts in Wills discovery event below.

Our incredible supporters

Meet some of our supporters and discover why they’ve generously chosen to pledge a gift.

FAQs on leaving a gift in your Will

  • Do I really need a Will?

    Making a Will is great for your peace of mind. It's the only way to make sure you know exactly what happens to your property, money and personal possessions.

    Although there's no law that says you must make a Will, it makes all the legalities much easier for those you leave behind. Dying without having an up-to-date Will means it is up to the law to decide how your estate is distributed, which might not reflect your wishes.

  • Are there any tax benefits if I leave a charitable gift in my Will?

    A gift to charity is taken out of your estate before it's decided how much inheritance tax must be paid. Over and above supporting a cause that's important to you, some people choose to leave a gift to charity as a way to reduce how much tax is owed.

    Contact HMRC or a solicitor for advice about the current Inheritance Tax thresholds and payment rates.

  • I don't have a lot, is it worth leaving a gift in my Will?

    You don't need to be wealthy to leave a gift to charity in your Will. Each and every gift makes a difference. No matter the size or amount, your gift can transform canal spaces and enrich lives by water.

  • How can I find out more about leaving a gift in my Will?

    If you would like to find out more about leaving a gift in your Will to Canal & River Trust, you can request our free gifts in Wills information pack online, or request a copy in the post.

    You may also like to join us at a gifts in Wills enquiry event to see first-hand the impact your gift could make. For full details of events taking place near you, please contact us.

  • Can I leave a gift in my Will to a specific project or part of the network?

    Unrestricted gifts are incredibly important as it gives us the flexibility to direct funds where the need is greatest at the time. Not all of our future needs can be envisaged today, as priorities and work may change.

    However, many of our supporters wish to support a specific area of the waterways and you are of course very welcome to specify that your gift be for use at a particular site or region. If you are considering doing this, please contact us so we can best advise on ensuring your wishes can be fulfilled.

  • What details do I need to know to include Canal & River Trust in my Will?

    In order to leave the Canal & River Trust a gift in your Will, your solicitor will need to include the following information:

    Name: Canal & River Trust Registered charity number: 1146792 Address: National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 4FW

  • Who should I get in touch with if I have any questions?

    Please email [email protected] if you have any further questions, and we'll get back to you.

Find out more

Last Edited: 08 July 2025

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