Sowing Seeds of Gobaith (hope): Sheila’s Story

Nature teaches us patience. It works in long, slow cycles - rivers reshaping themselves over decades, woodlands maturing across generations, wildlife returning when the land is given more time and space.

Legacy giving sits within that same rhythm. It is an act of gobaith, hope - offered not for today, but for tomorrow.

During Remember a Charity Week (7–13 September 2026), we’re honoured to share the story of Sheila (pictured left) whose decision to leave a gift in her will to Tir Natur is shaped by resilience, and guided by a belief that we must protect nature for future generations.

Active hope - becoming a participant in shaping the future we'd want to see is central to legacy giving, and Sheila speaks about it with refreshing honesty. 

When reflecting on the importance of hope, especially during the nature and climate crisis, Sheila said:

“In this day and age, the word hope doesn’t mean what it used to because of the world we’re living in. Tir Natur and the land at Cwm Doethïe, I would hope that it would be able to be a place where animals and creatures can live, and somewhere people can enjoy too.”

Sheila’s understanding of hope is shaped by her childhood.

“I was born at the beginning of the Second World War and when I was little, we didn’t have money for holidays. We’d take the train to the countryside, ride our bikes, and be part of country life. We got to know how people lived and how their lives had a deep connection to nature. It was an eye opener.”

That early connection stayed with her. It’s part of why she feels she wants to support Tir Natur’s land now.

“I realised a long time ago that wildlife and nature was changing. One of the ways you can help the change on the ground is to give money to a cause that you really believe in, like I do with Tir Natur.”

Sheila’s legacy gift is her way of contributing to that change, a practical act of hope rooted in realism, compassion, and experience.

Why Legacy Gifts Matter

Sheila’s gift will help protect land, rivers and spaces where nature can thrive. It will help ensure that future generations inherit a Cwm Doethïe that is resilient and flourishing with wildlife.

If Sheila’s story has inspired you, you can learn more about legacy giving by visiting our Gift in Wills page or speak confidentially with our Fundraising Manager, Gwenni gwenni@tirnatur.cymru 

A gift in your will, no matter the size, helps sow the seeds of a wilder Cwm Doethïe.