What does it cost to plant a tree in Nepal? To do it properly, using the Miyawaki Method that encourages trees to grow ten times faster than normal, about £1.10. That covers the cost of fencing, excavation, compost/manure, mulching, sapling purchase and labour costs, including subsequent irrigation. And this is the method we are using in our rural nature programme in south Nepal (Mithila Wildlife Trust) and in our urban nature programme in Kathmandu (Lily’s Leaves).

Today, we were very pleased to receive our latest regular corporate support from The Mountain Company which is based near us in Devon. The £323.40 that it donated as sponsorship from its spring and summer treks in Nepal and India therefore pays for 294 trees.

And then yesterday, just days after writing in another blog post that we had never received a legacy donation in our first nine years of existence, we were so grateful to receive a £500 bequest from the estate of the late Mrs Anne Roberts. This first gift from a Will was for no specific purpose (‘unrestricted’), however, the Trustees have decided that all Will donations should directly benefit our work in Nepal rather than being absorbed into general funds. This use can be requested by the legatee (in general terms such as education, women and girls, the environment so that we are not too restricted!) or if unspecified, we will apply the funds where we think they are most needed at the time of the donation. In this case, Mrs Roberts’ bequest will pay for a further 454 (and a half) trees.

The subject of Wills can feel like a subject that charities are hesitant to broach. But not for us. We see such gifts as offering a legatee the opportunity to make a final statement of values and one that can have a transformative and lasting impact. Including in creating forests that clean the air, restore biodiversity and push back against climate change.

For further information see this guide to writing a Will and this advice specific to Pipal Tree.