PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 # **Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements** ## **for the Year ended 31 October 2020** **Registered Charity No: 1004009/SC041785 Company Registered No 2222953** 1 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 |**Patron**|His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales| |---|---| |**President**|Alan Titchmarsh| ||**Vice-Presidents**| ||Lawrence Banks| ||Christopher Brickell| ||Jamie Compton| ||Lady Hamilton| ||Roy Lancaster| ||Sir Roy Strong| ||**Trustees**| ||Mrs C Bufton (Chairman)| ||Ms R Day (deceased 18.09.20)| ||Mrs C Penny| ||Mr J Marshall| ||Mr D Ross (resigned 01.04.20)| ||Ms E Crawforth| ||Ms S Nex| ||Mr D Ford (resigned 27.03.20)| ||Mr A Harris (resigned 19.10.20)| ||Ms H Triggs| ||Mr G Morgan (from 10.07.20)| |**Charity Number**|1004009/SC041785| |**Company Number**|2222953| |**Independent Examiner**|Frances Wilde FCCA DChA| ||Warner Wilde| ||Chartered Certified Accountants| ||4 Marigold Drive| ||Bisley| ||Surrey| ||GU24 9SF| 2 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## Plant Heritage office 12 Home Farm, Loseley Park, Guildford, GU3 1HS ## **www.plantheritage.org.uk** |||Page| |---|---|---| ||Patron, Presidents and Trustees of the Charity*|2| ||Annual General Meeting 2021*|4| ||President’s Remarks*|5| ||Chairman’s Review*|6-8| ||Activities in 2019/20: What Plant Heritage does*|| ||Objectives and Achievements*|9-17| ||Treasurer’s Financial Review*|18| ||Fundraising Activities*|19| ||Structure, Governance and Management*|20-22| ||Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities|24| ||Report of the Independent Examiner|25| ||Statement of Financial Activities|26-27| ||Balance Sheet|28-29| ||Notes to the Financial Statements|30-46| ||*****These sections form part of the Trustee’s Annual Report|| 3 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Annual General Meeting 2021** All members of Plant Heritage have been invited to meet members of the Board (who are Trustees of Plant Heritage) and ask questions on past performance and future plans at the 2021 Annual General Meeting which will be a virtual event on Saturday the 17[th] April. Questions about anything contained in this report or the accompanying Financial Statements, should be addressed to the Chairman, by email to chairman@plantheritage.org.uk, or if that is not possible, by post to Plant Heritage, 12 Home Farm, Loseley Park, Guildford GU3 1HS, or telephone 01483 447540. 4 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **President’s Remarks March 2021** All too often we underestimate the importance of the plants that grow in our gardens, but the role of gardeners in conserving the botanical riches of planet earth has never been more vital. Without a doubt, those who are making the greatest difference are the holders of our National Plant Collections. These men and women devote a huge part of their lives to an individual group of plants, a particular person’s horticultural legacy or a specific historical period. Do not make the mistake of thinking that they are all professional gardeners or botanists. They are not. They are simply active enthusiasts who are prepared to do their bit to nurture the plants in their care and ensure a comprehensive gene pool that can do – much to safeguard the future wellbeing of our botanical heritage plants that will feed us both physically and spiritually. Last year 35 new National Plant Collections were accredited, bringing the to tal to 666. It’s a great achievement, but one which needs to continue to grow. We need to retain as wide a range of different cultivated plants as possible so that the needs of gardeners and growers who come after us can be catered for. Once a particular variety has become extinct, it is almost impossible to bring it back, and this conservation and retention of characteristics is every bit as important in cultivated plants as in native species. The differences inherent in new cultivars are not all related to aesthetic appearance. Some developments may increase pest or disease resistance or improve the ability of a plant to be selfsupporting or grow in a wider range of soils and situations. Diseases such as sudden oak death or ash die-back can best be combatted through the discovery of disease resistant strains, so it stands to reason that the wider the gene-pool we possess the more likely such strains will be found and the better we will be placed to combat epidemics. This last year has taught us a lot about human disease resistance; plants need it, too, if they - and we - are to survive. Plant Heritage is in the vanguard of ensuring that we safeguard our plant material with a view to a healthier future, and webinars, along with an online shop have opened new channels of information and supply. This year the emphasis will be on record keeping and expansion of the database. Oh, it might sound dull, but it’s vital if information is to be readily available and easily accessed – as useful a national asset as the records of cooks in the British Library! I’m delighted t o be President of Plant Heritage and even more delighted that members continue to engage like-minded people in gardening and demonstrate the vital role gardeners can and must play in plant conservation and the health of the planet itself. We are amazingly lucky to be surrounded by such a glorious diversity of plant material; we have a duty of care to hand on that collection to our children and grandchildren in good health and increasing variety. With your help we can do just that. ## **Alan Titchmarsh MBE VMH DL President** 5 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Chairman’s Review** Conserving the diversity of cultivated plants is essential to all our futures. The plants grown in National Plant Collections® or held by Plant Guardians® contain unique combinations of genetic material which are the legacy of generations of plant collecto rs and breeders who have built our nation’s rich and unique horticultural landscape. The work of Plant Heritage spans four decades and in the light of climate change and an increasingly urban society, which values horticulture as important to its health and well-being, the charity’s work is as important now as it was in the 1970s, when the charity’s founders identified that a significant part of the nation’s rich horticultural heritage was at risk of disappearing. Our work is spearheaded by a network of National Collection Holders who come from all walks of life and live across the length and breadth of the British Isles. The beauty of the National Plant Collections is that anyone who has an interest, passion or expertise in a certain group of plants, whether amateur or professional can potentially become a collection holder. In doing so they curate and cultivate their own living collection which then forms part of the largest living collection of garden plants held outside botanical institutions in the UK. Our National Collection Holders are supported by a dedicated Central Office team including three Plant Conservation specialists who provide technical support across the British Isles. This network is strengthened by our regional network of volunteer Collection Coordinators who regularly visit Collection Holders whilst also seeking out new and potential collections. All applications are then ## What are the threats to our garden plants? ## **Changing fashions** Changes in styles of planting and taste can cause groups of plants to go out of fashion. We don't want to lose the range of cultivars available for when they inevitably come back into fashion. **Changes to the plant sales trade** The requirement for plants to be of a specific size and in flower at the point of sale by garden centres and supermarkets can lead to a diminution of the range of plants grown in our gardens. We are also losing specialist plant nurseries who carry a much wider range of plants. ## **Climate change** Climate change over time will have a continuing effect on the range of cultivated plants available to the UK. ## **Pests and pathogens** Due to the nature of modern trade and travel there is an increasing risk of new pests and diseases being introduced to the UK. Recent examples of these include box blight, ash die-back, and agapanthus gall midge. ## **Loss of propagation or cultivation skills** A lack of horticultural skills, particularly in propagation, is causing a loss in the availability of specialist cultivated plants. guided through the process by the Plant Conservation Committee. Members of this committee are independent advisers, experts in taxonomy, horticulture, botany and the horticultural trade and area group representatives, all volunteers who freely give their time to ensure National Plant Collections are maintained and looked after to a consistent standard. The Threatened Plants Programme underpins our conservation work and is an ongoing research initiative which identifies plants threatened and worthy of conserving. The Plant Guardian® scheme encourages members to actively seek out and conserve individual plants. Plant Heritage’s education objective is delivered by both our regional groups and the Central Office through a diverse range of events, shows, publications, workshops and other activities. In 2021, many of these were delivered virtually. As a charity, Plant Heritage is funded through membership subscriptions, donations from individuals and industry, sponsorship and donations from charitable trusts. 6 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 The coronavirus pandemic changed many of the plans of the charity with most of the shows and fundraising activities of Groups and Central Office being cancelled. As of March 2021, one year after it started, the UK is still in lockdown and there is still no certainty about the imp act on the future of the charity’s activities and its ability to raise funds in 2021. We are fortunate that our work to consolidate our finances in 2018/19 left us in a good position. In 2019/20, lockdown caused the cancellation of most of our usual fundraising activities, resulting in a significant reduction to our income. Our work to keep in touch with members with newsletters and talks helped to minimise membership losses. We acted to minimise our costs by taking advantage of the government furlough scheme for some of our staff. This meant that some of our conservation work was slowed down, but an “emergency” grant from Esmee Fairbairn helped greatly, enabling us to bring our conservation and membership staff back to work. There were a number of changes to the Board in 2019/20, with David Ford, David Ross and Alastair Harris all standing down. We also lost Dr Rosemary Day, our Vice-Chair, who passed away in September. A new Treasurer, Gareth Morgan, joined in July 2020 and a new Trustee, Adrian Stones, joined in December 2020. Their appointments are being put to the membership for approval at the upcoming AGM. The Conservation team have continued their work to support the establishment and development of National Plant Collections, and Plant Guardians. Some live workshops were held before the restrictions, on Plant Health, Library Research and Persephone and when necessary, the virtual format was used to add additional training and workshops for Persephone. A new Threatened Plant of the Year competition was introduced, open to our members and specialist plant societies and exhibitors at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. The aim of the competition was to highlight our work in cultivated plant conservation. This also became a virtual event with _Clematis montana_ var. _rubens_ ‘Veitch’ as the judges’ winner and _Aeonium_ ‘Bronze Teacup’ the winner of the public vote. Creative thinking by both the Central Office and many Groups, brought new ways of holding talks, meetings and fundraising activities. The frequency of our e-newsletters increased, keeping our membership up to date with news and virtual webinars, focused on the expertise and knowledge of National Collection Holders, began in May 2020. The webinars widened access to our talks, with members from around the country joining national and local events – some for the first time as they are unable to attend events in person. They also provided an opportunity to introduce more people to Plant Heritage and to increase awareness of our work. Central Office was also able to support local groups to run their events virtually too. Plans had been made for displays at many national shows, but as they were all cancelled, we produced a video display at the first Dibley’s Virtual Flower Show and a video about 4 National Collection Holders for the RHS Virtual Chelsea Flower Show. To replace income lost from our Seed Shop at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, we developed an online Seed shop. In April, we launched a “Think Local” campaign to support local nurseries and growers. With the cancellation of plant fairs, some of these businesses have struggled to sell their plants and we made the decision to assist those who normally support our fairs, by offering to list their details on our website so that members and others can find out where to buy plants. The idea was that those who do not yet have an online business could offer a phone or email and collect service, with payment made in advance and plants safely left in a position for collection. In 2021 we planned a display in the Discovery Zone at RHS Chelsea Show showcasing the research of Collection Holders, (this was cancelled in 2020). Unfortunately, this has had to be postponed for another year. Our usual Plant Heritage zone at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is also planned, to include a display of the Threatened Plant of the Year competition. We also plan to continue with virtual zoom talks, and virtual workshops. 7 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 A major project for the year will be the rebuilding of our Persephone plant collection recording tool. Persephone has come a long way since its conception in 2013. It is now used by 166 National Collection Holders and contains 33,244 accessions. Data on Persephone is now being made available to the PCC to support applications for National Collections while (subject to permissions) allowing for a seamless transfer of data to another collection holder and/or Plant Heritage, when the collection holder gives up. Persephone has also been adapted for use by the Plant Guardians’ scheme . Plant Heritage is keen to secure the future of these records and make them more accessible. Over the next 12 months we will work to transfer the development and maintenance of the software to a commercial organisation, undertaking a substantial refresh to consolidate existing and new features. Our Mission is to conserve the rich diversity of garden plants in the UK and Ireland but this would not be possible without the hard work undertaken by our staff, members, National Collection Holders, Groups and all who volunteer their time and expertise to support and spread the word of our pressing work. So, I would like to record the collective thanks of the whole Board to them all. Cecilia Bufton **Chairman Date 26 March 2021** 8 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **– Trustees Report Objectives and Achievements** The Board, who are the Trustees of Plant Heritage (“the Charity”), present their annual report for the year ended 31 October 2020, prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the small companies regime s419(2) Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), the Charities Act 2011 a nd “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019 )” . ## **Objectives:** ## Plant Heritage’s charitable purposes seek to - promote the conservation of cultivated plants with a focus on endangered or rare garden plants - encourage and carry out research into the cultivation of rare or endangered plants and related information - encourage the education of the public in horticultural skills, particularly with regards to cultivated plant conservation - encourage the introduction and the propagation of rare cultivated plants not represented in the UK, within the law ## We aim to do this by: - Conserving our horticultural heritage by keeping living examples of plants in the **National Plant Collections[®]** scheme which enables us to coordinate collections, ranging from cultivated and species, to historical, heritage and scientific - Identifying cultivars at the highest risk of extinction, with the ambition that these can be conserved. We do this through our **Threatened Plants Programme ™** - Encouraging individuals to conserve individual plants in the **Plant Guardian®** scheme, a register of holders of rare and unusual plants - Sharing rare plants with gardeners across the UK, through our annual **Plant Exchange** ™ - Documenting and recording collections of rare plants. This is done by our National Collection Holders and Plant Guardians and in our publications such as the _Directory_ , _The Journal_ , and through our online plant recording database **Persephone** - Increasing the variety of garden plants available for gardens in the UK through supporting and undertaking group propagation activities and plant sales - Ensuring rare plants and collections are supported in perpetuity (for future generations) - Supporting Plant Guardians and National Collection Holders in their conservation work - Educating the public in the importance of our work - Working in partnership with organisations that can support our objectives - Raising **funds** to support this work 9 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Achievements:** ## **Our Conservation Work** Britain is a nation of gardeners, our long history of collecting, breeding and growing plants gives us a hugely diverse garden flora. Our nation’s long history of gardeners, plant hunters and plant breeders have gifted us with an extraordinary range of plants, contributing to the approximately 400,000 taxa that are grown in the UK. There are numerous charities supporting the conservation of nature and artefacts, but Plant Heritage is unique in its approach to conserving cherished garden plants. As a result of a successful application to the Esmée Fairbairn Trust, Plant Heritage was awarded a threeyear grant to employ a Conservation Manager, who started in January 2019. The grant is being used to further conservation work, with targets set for increasing the number and diversity of cultivated plants held in collections, improving curation standards and further expanding the network of effective Collection Coordinators. ## **Why do we do it?** Plants have always been selected and bred, whether for their beauty, flavour, scent or other reasons. This breeding involves an enormity of human effort and inventiveness that is wasted if the plants cease to be grown. Climate change, the advance of new pests and diseases, loss of gardens, a diminishing nursery trade and lack of knowledge in the general population all conspire to reduce the diversity of our garden flora. If garden plants go, a tantalising slice of social, cultural and horticultural history dies with them. We believe that cultivated plants deserve to be a target for conservation. Each one contains a unique combination of genetic material and is testament to human effort and inventiveness. ## **How do we do it?** ## **National Plant Collections®** National Plant Collections are held by individuals or organisations who undertake to document, develop and conserve a comprehensive collection of plants within a defined scope and hold them in trust for the future. The scope can be defined botanically by plant group, either taxonomically, such as all the _Penstemon_ cultivars or _Rhododendron_ subsect. _Falconera_ ; or have a shared history such as plants collected by Harold Comber; or a geographic link, such as North West English cultivars. Plant Heritage supports collectors, helping them to tend, monitor and share their collection, guaranteeing the preservation of our garden flora. Members of our groups all over the country, work together propagating plants and running plant exchanges and sales for funding. The groups also provide collection co-ordinators to advise the collectors and assess the collections. The National Plant Collections scheme is overseen by the Plant Conservation Committee, a sub- 10 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 committee of the Board, whose members are independent advisers, experts in taxonomy, horticulture, botany and the horticultural trade and area group volunteers. The committee rigorously assesses new applications for scope and coverage. There were 35 new National Plant Collections accredited in 2020, up from 28 in 2019. There has also been an increase from last year (18%) in new proposals. There were 666 Collections as of December 2020, of which 301 were Horticultural, 291 Reference and 74 Historic collections, with 18 having been awarded Scientific status. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Full collections, proposals received and Collections
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National Plant Collections are made available for people to view, either by appointment, on special open days or as part of a garden open to the public. They contain about 95,000 plants, held across the 666 collections. Together this represents a huge resource for gardeners, nurserymen, garden designers, researchers, plant breeders and those interested in historical gardens and landscapes. Having these plants part of a registered conservation scheme ensures that they will be a resource for generations to come. National Plant Collections are valuable for assessing the best cultivars for gardeners to enjoy and are used for scientific research, as a source of live plants and genetic material available for investigating a group of plants. They also provide insurance , being “living libraries” of the genetic diversity of garden plants. There are still some important groups of garden plants that are not represented in National Collections. ## **Missing genera campaign** The ‘Missing Genera’ campaign, launched in 2016, encour ages people with a passion for plants to bring together a National Plant Collection of their own and join the Plant Heritage community in growing, sharing and saving plants. From 2016 to 2020 we have highlighted 38 plant groups, five of these are now the subject of new National Plant Collections ( _Achillea, Aeonium, Gingko_ , _Alcea, Eryngium_ ) and we have received proposals for a further 14, which are currently working their way through the system ( _Arisaema, Armeria, Cosmos, Caryopteris, Crateagus, Echinacea, Echinops, Forsythia, Grevillea, Hoya,_ 11 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 _Sisyrinchium, Robinia, Tradescantia, Verbena_ ). This equates to a 38% response rate, or a 10% success rate on new National Collections accredited from this campaign. ## **Threatened Plants Programme** Fluctuating fashions, changes in the nursery trade, loss of specialist knowledge, environmental changes and new pests and diseases can all mean a threat to cultivated plants. As part of our work combating these threats, Plant Heritage started the Threatened Plants Programme (TPP) in 2009. Through the programme we track the locations and availability of garden cultivars and work out how rare or threatened they are. Information from the Threatened Plants Programme helps collection holders prioritise their sourcing and propagation. It is also a unique resource for people searching for particular cultivars, such as new Collection Holders. We can often pinpoint who last had a particular cultivar, or contact a garden still growing it to see if they can supply propagating material. Using the process developed in 2019 for _Chrysanthemum_ and _Delphinium_ , an assessment was done in 2020 on camellias, at the request of a Collection Holder and for publication in the Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group’s journal. The results were also shared with _Camellia_ collection holders. A summary of the findings for _Camellia_ : - 1,704 _Camellia_ cultivars ever known to have been grown in the UK or Ireland were identified. - 1,517 (89%) of these are still found growing, either in a National Plant Collection, other garden location, or in commerce. 855 (56%) of these are in at least one of the seven NPCs of _Camellia_ . - 868 (51%) are assessed as Threatened in Cultivation which means that they pre-date 2005, and are not (or only very intermittently) available commercially. 490 (56%) of these are in a National Plant Collection. - Of the threatened cultivars, only 22% are growing at three or more locations. These reviews have highlighted the need for consolidating the data held by the TPP, to allow for effective use by the conservation team. TPP reports for new applicants have been resumed. ## **Plant Guardians®** To preserve plants, it is essential that we keep them growing in gardens. Plant Heritage encourages members to take active part in conservation work by becoming a Plant Guardian. Through the scheme, rare plants are grown in multiple locations as an insurance against loss. Plant Heritage retains a record of plants in guardianship and encourages Plant Guardians to propagate the plants they are caring for and share them with other members via plant sales and the Plant Exchange. We have 1,614 plants in the Plant Guardian scheme, an increase of 15%, despite not having the Plant Exchange, where about half of new registrations come from. Of these, 270 of the cultivars were highlighted by the TPP as “red label plants”, threatened in cultivation. 12 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Plant Exchange** The best way to conserve rare plants is to propagate and share them. The Plant Exchange enables hard to find plants being cultivated and conserved by members around the country to be shared with other members. By distributing plants around the country, we can re-establish plants in danger of being lost and give members the chance to get hold of something rare or unusual. We encourage members to propagate these plants and pass them on, to help secure their future. The exchange was unable to take place in 2020 due to Covid19 restrictions. All offers and wants were held over to 2021. ## **Brickell Award** The Brickell award recognises the vital plant conservation work undertaken by Collection Holders to secure plants in cultivation, for example through the rediscovery and propagation of lost taxa and is awarded to those considered to have demonstrated excellence in this field. The Brickell Award winner 2020 is Malcolm Pharoah for his work on _Astilbe_ . This is in recognition for three decades of dedicated work in growing, researching and promoting this genus at Marwood Hill Gardens. ## **Digital Recording** It is important that we record the information gathered by National Collections Holders to create an enduring resource for the future. The use of the Persephone online recording system, which is the preferred method for recording the National Plant Collections, continued to grow with 180 current or archived Collections and a further 31 prospective collections recorded within it by the end of the year. All new applications are being added to Persephone and as of next year, all proposals for new collections are being supported with getting their records onto the system. As of November 2020, there are over 33,000 accessions and a huge library of photographs and other information held on Persephone. Some collections recorded on Persephone have come to an end (due to death or other circumstances) but permission had been given by the Collection Holder for Plant Heritage to have continued access to the records. In the past, records had tended to get ‘lost’ with the collections. The Persephone volunteer team has recruited three new members to help support collection holders with accessioning and recording their collections. A proposal has been developed for an upgrade to the database, in order to secure the long-term future of the project. The Board would like to record its thanks to the whole working group for the hours they continue to give towards this project. Particular thanks are also due for support with software maintenance and development by Toby Ross which continues to be made available on a voluntary basis. ## **Support for Collections** In addition to our annual Plant Heritage bursary, awarded in Spring, we also awarded an extra round of bursaries in autumn, in recognition of the difficult year it has been for many. The money for this was raised through the programme of virtual talks. 13 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 In total, there have been 13 recipients of Plant Heritage bursaries in 2020, with projects ranging from installing rainwater irrigation, improving physical and online interpretation, improvements to visitor access, and protecting collections from the elements. ## **Workshops** Many of our regular workshops had to be put on hold. However, before the restrictions we were able to hold workshops on Plant Health, Library Research and Persephone. We have been running virtual training and workshops for Persephone. ## **Collection Coordinators** We currently have 38 Collection Coordinators and have gaps currently in 6 areas. Wales has been split into 3 areas and coordinators recruited for the South and Mid regions. We held a seminar for all Collection Coordinators in January 2020. This provided an opportunity for coordinators from all round the UK to meet, share knowledge and feed back to us about how best we can work together in their key role of visiting and supporting collection holders. This has been followed up with a redrafted Collections Coordinators handbook and a new facility on our collections database to allow coordinators to access directly the information we hold on collections they look after. ## **Policy Work** We continued our participation in the Orchards Network in 2019, along with representatives from a wide range of interested organisations such as the National Trust, RHS, local, regional and community orchards, National Fruit Collection (NFC) and Fruit ID (DNA research to establish varieties). Plant Heritage has participated in the UK Plant Genetic Resource group and has been in discussion on to contribute plant data on collections to their annual reporting on plant genetic resources in the UK. ## **Raising Public Awareness of the Need for Plant Conservation** By letting others know about what we do, we can gain their support for plant conservation so Plant Heritage is actively engaged in sharing expertise. We continue to produce our in-print publications as we increase our presence on social media and we exhibit at many local and national shows. ## **Membership and Volunteers** Based on data held on 1 November 2020 our Membership has decreased by 4.0 % to 3,328 (compared to a 2.5% decrease in 2019). Recruitment of new members would usually take place at shows and events, which has not been possible this year. We have 203 new members this year and have lost 343, considerably fewer than last year (407). Members are usually encouraged to participate in the activities of their local group, of which there are 31 across the UK. These groups are run by volunteer committees who put in a tremendous amount of effort to organise interesting activities for their members and raise funds for the charity. As talks, plant fairs, visits and open days were cancelled this year effort was turned to keeping in touch with members, and to using virtual technology to provide online events. 14 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 Virtual webinars began in May 2020, with 12 webinars provided, open to all, with some free for our members. Around 50 members were trained in plant conservation skills over 3 workshops, before the national lockdown. The Board is extremely grateful to each and every volunteer for the time and resources they give so generously to the charity. Their value comes from the skills, experience and support provided by them, whether it is the direct help they give to the staff, or the collections coordinators who play such an important role with the National Collection Holders. Volunteers are also vital to the success of all local group activities and provide the manpower needed to support activities such as shows and our seed shop. ## **Related Parties** The charity has two affiliated groups (Isle of Man and Guernsey) that share the same objectives as Plant Heritage, who generously support our work. The charity also has links with the Wiltshire Gardens Trust and the Irish Garden Plants Society. ## **Publications, Shows and Campaigns** ## **Website** The new website has helped to promote and facilitate continued interest in Plant Heritage, particularly during the pandemic as most planned events were cancelled and a new virtual events programme instigated. From data over a comparable period there has been a 34% increase in users of the website. The website shop has seen increased activity during the year too. ## **Annual Directory** The annual Directory of National Plant Collections 2020 listed all National Plant Collections with details of the Collection Holder and information about when the Collection is open. This is issued free to members, but the information can also be accessed on our website so is freely available to the general public. We encourage members and the public to visit the National Collections to see for themselves the conservation efforts of the Collection Holders, and to see the wide range of plants that are being conserved. We thank all our National Collection Holders for opening their collections to the public. All collections are accessible to visitors whether by appointment, through specific open days, or business open days. ## **The Journal** We published two issues of The Journal with a continued focus on the work of Collection Holders undertaking conservation in action and how education in the widest sense is at the heart of what we do. We are grateful for the continuing work of our Editor Clare Hogan in delivering this publication. ## **E-newsletters** In 2020 we increased the frequency of our e-newsletters from 6 a year (3 focussed on member news and 3 focussed on news for Collection Holders) to monthly from March to October, to keep our membership up to date with news and events; and collection holders informed on legal, policy and regulatory matters. ## **Shows** Plans had been made for displays at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Gardeners World Live show and RHS 15 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival but they were all cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead of real shows we showed a video display at the first Dibley’s Virtu al Flower Show and produced a video about 4 National Collection Holders for the RHS Virtual Chelsea Flower Show. ## **Regional Shows and local plant fairs** Plans by local groups at regional shows were also cancelled, including the RHS Malvern Show (Spring & Autumn), normally attended by the Worcestershire Group; the Harrogate and the Yorkshire shows, normally attended by the Yorkshire Group; Gardeners World Live, normally attended by the West Midlands Group and the Shrewsbury Show normally attended by the Shropshire Group. Local groups were unable to hold their usual plant fairs and most were therefore unable to raise funds from these for the charity this year. However, some local groups members were able to hold kerb side plant sales where conditions permitted raising some funds locally. ## **Seed Shop** The Plant Heritage Seed Shop usually features at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, but for 2020 an online shop was developed and set up by volunteers. This shop, linked to our main website, allowed us to raise some funds and maintain interest in Plant Heritage. ## **Threatened Plant of the Year Competition** A new Threatened Plant of the Year competition was introduced, held virtually due to the pandemic, and open to our members and specialist plant societies and exhibitors at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. 12 entries were shortlisted and published on our website. _Clematis montana_ var. _rubens_ ‘Veitch’ was the judges’ winner and _Aeonium_ ‘Bronze Teacup’ was the winner of the public vote. This competition highlights our work in cultivated plant conservation. ## **Virtual talks programme** In lieu of the real events cancelled due to the pandemic a programme of virtual talks via Zoom were started in May 2020 focusing on the expertise and knowledge of National Collection Holders. Subjects covered a range of plant types from iris to peonies to clematis, plus subjects such as propagation. Twelve webinars were held over 6 months with 1,700 attendees, including 1,300 members, attending these talks. Most were open to all with some free for our members. The added benefit has been to introduce more people to Plant Heritage and to increase awareness of our work. In addition support was given to helping our local groups run their events virtually too. ## **Shows and talks plans for 2021** In 2021 we plan a display in the Discovery Zone at RHS Chelsea Show showcasing the research of Collection Holders (was cancelled in 2020). Our usual Plant Heritage zone at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is also planned, to include a display of the Threatened Plant of the Year competition. We also plan to continue with virtual zoom talks, and virtual workshops. ## **Social media** Our website www.plantheritage.org.uk continues to be the main way we provide online information about the National Plant Collections around the country, how to apply for a collection or register a Plant 16 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 Guardian, and also information about our 31 regional groups, affiliated groups and their activities. Plant Heritage’s social media presence is through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The wordpress blog is also still available. During the pandemic the activity on social media increased. Two new Facebook Groups were introduced, a Collection H olders’ group and a members’ group. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/plantheritage/ 2,300 followers Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OurPlantHeritage 3,525 likes Twitter https://twitter.com/plantheritage 15.1K followers The Plant Heritage e-newsletters keep members and others informed of news and events and encourage the public to visit National Collections and get involved in conservation. Meanwhile Twitter, Instagram and Facebook continue to be used to engage the general public and horticulturalists through promoting an understanding of the diversity of garden plants and the need for conserving them. ## **Press coverage** Since November 2019, 141 items of media coverage about Plant Heritage have been achieved, with a total audience reach of 128 million. These include: - 34 broadcast interviews - Three national newspaper articles - Nine regional newspaper articles - 32 magazine features - 63 online articles Stories promoted since June 2019 include, The Missing Genera, which is Plant Heritage’s best performing story achieving a double- page feature in The Daily Telegraph’s gardening section as well as 12 broadcast interviews on 10 different BBC radio stations and two podcasts. It also featured in six regional newspapers, three magazine features, (Country Living, Country Life and Country Gardener) and 23 online articles, including Telegraph.co.uk. Coverage for the Brickell Award included two interviews on BBC Radio Devon, four online articles including Hort Week, the RHS’ Plant Review and local papers. Interest in new National Plant Collections continues to generate interest with BBC Radio interviews articles in Hort Week online and RHS Garden News. 17 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Treasurer’s Financ ial Review** In a year that has been dramatically impacted by COVID-19, Plant Heritage has demonstrated financial resilience with overall income of £400,213 (£436,147 in 2019) and expenditure of £347,870 (£342,396 in 2019). The net surplus for the year was therefore £52,343 compared to a net surplus of £93,751 in 2019. ## **Incoming resources** 2020 was another strong year for donations and legacies which at £177,889, as shown in note 3 to the Accounts, were 51% higher than in 2019 (£117,457). Donations and legacies income was aided by a generous £61,000 legacy received in the year. In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic is it inevitable that income from charitable activities (membership, shows, educational meetings and events) was down to £203,782 compared with £286,137 in 2019, a fall of 29% however we expect these to rebound once the COVID situation is behind us. ## **Resources expended** Plant Heritage spent a total of £347,870 (£342,396 in 2019) on charitable activities, fundraising and governance in 2020. This represents a 1% increase in resources expended and largely due to increased investment in plant conservation. The cost of generating funds was £44,444 (£45,392 in 2019). ## **Intangible fixed assets** Intangible fixed assets include the cost of the website development work. ## **Reserves policy** It is the policy of the Charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use, should be maintained at a level equivalent to six months general operating costs, including salaries. The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year and there are a further £250,063 of reserves designated towards specific purposes. 18 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Fundraising Activities** ## **Donations and Sponsorships** Plant Heritage is indebted to its supporters, sponsors and advertisers – we thank them all for their generous support and in particular: Griffin Glasshouses Johnsons Seeds Melcourt Industries Ltd Plant Heritage gratefully acknowledges grants and donations from the following charitable trusts and foundations, which help to support our core conservation work as well as the Threatened Plants Programme, National Collection Holder and membership workshops, the Plant Guardians scheme and our National Collection Holder’s Conference. We are also delighted to welcome the support of three charitable trusts and foundations for the first time. Sir Jeremiah Colman Gift Trust Jack Patston Charitable Trust Esmée Fairbairn Foundation PF Charitable Trust Goulburn Charitable Trust C & SJ Smith Family Charitable Trust Hawthorne Charitable Trust Tanner Trust John and Ruth Howard Charitable Trust Topinambour Trust We are grateful to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for an additional £25,000 emergency funding grant, which helped us return our staff from furlough and continue their conservation work. ## **Income from legacies** We received income from two legacies this year, from members that had passed away in 2019. We would like to express our gratitude to Elizabeth Bristow and Joan Tolley for helping us to save our cultivated plants for future generations. ## **Corporate Members** We launched our Corporate Membership Scheme at the end of November 2019 and are delighted to report that the following companies supported us by choosing to become Gold Corporate Members in 2020: Barton Grange Garden Centre Candide Ltd Quinton Edwards Shanly Homes We are grateful for the continued support of our Bronze Corporate supporters: Arboricultural Association Horticultural Trades Association Brother UK Johnsons Seeds Canonteign Falls Melcourt Industries Ltd Crafty Plants National Trust Middlethorpe Hall Floral Tours Serenata Flowers Griffin Glasshouses Vital Earth 19 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Transfers from Groups** Despite a very challenging year, we are grateful for the generosity and creativity of our groups, many of whom have managed to continue to engage with Plant Heritage members and raise funds for our work. The charity recognises the commitment and hard work put in by the members of the area groups who fundraise throughout the year and generously pass these contributions on to support the core work of the charity. In all, Groups contributed a (loss)/profit of £(227) (£61,260 in 2019) to these accounts, and transferred £25,010 (£50,372 in 2019) to Central Office funds. Plant Heritage is also grateful to its affiliated groups in Guernsey and Manx, and the Wiltshire Gardens Trust who provide financial support. 20 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Structure, Governance and Management** Plant Heritage is a company limited by guarantee and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, adopted on 2 February 1988, amended in April 2004, April 2010 and July 2018 ## **Directors and Trustees** The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance of the charity. The Trustees are also the Directors of the Limited Company. Trustees are appointed by the membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). At each AGM, one-third of the directors must retire from office. The directors to retire by rotation must be those who have been longest in office since their last appointment. A director must retire after serving a total of eight years, consecutive or otherwise. The following served during the year 2019-2020: |Mrs Cecilia Bufton|Chairman (Ex Officio)
Appointed 5thOctober 2017, re-appointed 4thMay 2019| |---|---| |Dr Rosemary Day|Vice-Chairman (Ex Officio)
Appointed 5thOctober 2017, re-appointed 4thMay 2019
Deceased 18 September 2020| |Mrs Catherine Penny|Appointed 5 October 2017,re-appointed 2ndMay2020| |Mr James Muir Marshall|Appointed 18 April 2018,re-appointed 2ndMay2020| |Mr David Ross|Resigned 1stApril 2020| |Mrs Emma Crawforth|Appointed 26thJuly2018| |Mrs SallyNex|Appointed 26thJuly2018| |Mr David Ford|Resigned 27thMarch 2020| |Mr Alastair Harris|Resigned 19thOctober 2020| |Ms Helen Triggs|Appointed 4thMay2019| |Mr Gareth Morgan|Appointed 10thJuly2020| The Board met formally on four occasions to discuss the management of the charity. ## **Governance changes** Plant Heritage held its 2020 AGM virtually and plans to do so again in 2021. Members are able to vote either in person during the meeting, by mail (email or post) or by proxy. 21 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Panels, Committees and Working Groups** ## **Finance Committee (FC)** Replaced the Resources & Skills Panel (RSP) _Meetings every two months_ Responsible for finance - Helen Moorcraft (Chair) - Gareth Morgan - Cecilia Bufton ## **Plant Conservation Panel (PCP)** _Meetings four times a year_ Development of Conservation Strategy and delivery of associated programmes and activities - Jim Marshall (Chair) - Catherine Penny - Simon Toomer ## **Membership & Supporters Panel (MSP** ) _Meetings two-three times a year_ Development of membership strategies and delivery of advice, support and guidance to Groups - Rosemary Day - Emma Crawforth - Penny Ross - • Rosemary Buisseret • Maddy Ward - Linda Eggins - Rhona Frayne ## **Persephone Working Group (PWG)** _Meetings up to four times a year_ - Doug Smith (Chair) - David Ross - Penny Ross - Barry Clarke - • Gary Firth - Tim Upson - Anne Tweddle - Ian Hunt - Rosie Yeomans - Catrina Fenton - Emma Robertson - Chris Clennett ## **Plant Conservation Committee (PCC)** _Meetings four times a year_ Accreditation of National Plant Collections - Tim Upson (Chair) - - Jonathan Webster (Vice-Chairman) - Chris Clennett - James Armitage - Kevin Hobbs - Ross Kerby - Rosie Yeomans - Gary Firth - Matthew Biggs - Chris Trimmer ## **Governance & People Committee (G&PC)** Governance, compliance, processes, policies and guidelines. Trustee appointments & HR issues _Meetings four times a year_ - Emma Fontaine (Chair) - Margaret Headen - Helen Triggs - Adrian Stones - Jim Marshall 22 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Staffing** The headcount at the end of October 2020 was 5.71 (2019: 5.23) full time posts. The Board of Trustees wish to thank all the members of staff for their expertise, loyalty, resourcefulness and commitment to Saving Garden Plants. ## **– Business Plan 2018 2021** ## Major areas of focus ## **Conservation- PCP & PCC** 1. Increase the number and diversity of cultivated plants held in National Collections and by Plant Guardians 2. Improved curation standards that are consistent and comprehensive 3. A network of effective Collection Coordinators 4. Influence and guide future work in the field of conservation of cultivated plants ## **Membership & Supporters - MSP** 5. Grow the membership of Plant Heritage 6. Develop programmes to raise funds from supporters 7. Improve and expand internal communication channels ## **Finance & Fundraising - FC** 8. Oversee financial management 9. Develop a fundraising strategy to ensure Plant Heritage has sufficient income to achieve its charitable aims ## **– Governance and Processes G&PC** 10. Review activities of panels, committees & working groups. Assess performance of member voting. Evaluate Central Office staffing against targets and objectives 11. Update Plant Heritage systems, processes and data management ## **– External Communications Communications WG** 12. Define objectives for external communication and select appropriate partner for effective delivery 23 PLANT HERITAGE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2020 ## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities** Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees have in their opinion: - selected suitable accounting policies and then applied them consistently; - made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - ensured that the applicable accounting standards have been followed; and - prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis. The Trustees have been responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the charity and which have enabled them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They have also been responsible for the safeguarding of the assets of the charity and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. ## **Statement of Disclosure of Information to Independent Examiner** So far as the Trustees are aware, there is no relevant information of which the Charity’s Independent Examiner has not been informed. Approved by the Board of Trustees on 15[th] April 2021 and signed on their behalf by: **Trustee and Chairman** Mrs Cecilia Bufton **Trustee and Treasurer** Mr Gareth Morgan 24 PLANT HERITAGE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF PLANT HERITAGE I report to Ihe trustees on my examination of the financlal Ststetr￿ of Plant Herttage (the charity) for the year ended 31 October 2020. Rosponslblllttès and basls of rgport As the trustees of the charity land dso its d￿eCtorS for the PlWP￿ of corrpany Lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the finanoal statements in accordarrE vthh the requirements of the Charitses and Trustee Inve3trnent {ScotLand) Act 2005 (the 2005 Act). the Charibes Acc£Junts (Scotland) Regulations 20L la$ amended} and the Companies Ad 20C6 (the 2006 Acl). You are satisfied that the financial slatsments of the charity are not required by charity C￿ ccfflpany Iww to be audited and have thosen instead to have an Independent examination. Having satisfied mysell that the accounts ol the charity are not requwj to LE audited und¥ Part 16 of thè 2006 Acl and are eligible for independent examination, I rewrt in respec* of my examination of the charWg 8ecounts Ca￿led out under section 44 (1) { c) of the 2005 Act and se¢bon 145 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 (the 2011 Acl}. In carrying out my examination I have fd1ov￿d the requirements of Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scolandl Regulations 2006 (as amended) and all the apF4icable Directions given by the Charity Commission under sec*on 145{5llbl ofthe 2011 Indèptrndent •xarnlnorf$ stalwnont Since the charity is requiteil by company law to prepare ils accounts on an accruals basis and 13 registered as a ¢harity in Scoland your examiner must be a nwnber of a body lis￿￿ in Regulation 11121 of the ChariliesAccounts IS¢otlandl Regulakn"ons 2006 las amended). I confim that l am qUaj[r￿ to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Asstriation ot Chartered Certified Accountants, ￿th1¢h is one of the listed bodies. I have compleled my examinaticrt. I confimi th* rth) matteTr have come to my attention in ¢onnection wlh the examination gniing me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the ¢ho1ity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Acl and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations: the financial statements do not aco)rd with those rewds., or the financial ststernerrts do not compty ￿ryth the accounting req￿rernents of Regulation 8 of the Charitses Accounts IScotlar)d) Regulations 2006 {as amended) and do not comply w(th the accountin9 requirements of section 396 of the 20C6 ￿ other than any requirement thal Ihe accounts give a true and fair viewwhth is not a matter considered as part of an independent examinatK)n', or the financial ststements have not ljeen prepared in awydance wlh the methods and prinuples of the ststement of Recommended Practice for 8¢a)unting and reporttng by charibe$ applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wilh the Finanual Rep)rting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021. I have rKJ concerns and have c(¥ne across no other matters In connection vAlh examination to ￿lch attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper undetslanding of the finanual stslements to be reach8<1. Wamer Wkle Chartered Certified Accththtants 4 Marigotd Drive Bisky Surr•y. GU24 9SF Frances Wilde FCCA DChA -25- ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ |**Unrestricted Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**general d esignated**
**2020**
**2020**
**2020**
**Notes**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**Income from:**
Donations and legacies
**3**
110,801
3,588
63,500
Charitable activities
**4**
164,396
39,386
-
Advertising, publications, sponsorship and trading
**5**
12,613
3,361
-
Investments
**6**
2,450
118
-
**Total income**
290,260
46,453
63,500
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
Costs of generating donations and legacies
**7**
43,678
-
-
Trading costs
**7**
766
-
-
44,444
-
-
Charitable activities
Membership and Shows
**8**
29,248
-
9,285
Educational Activities
**8**
58,830
40,421
-
Plant Conservation
**8**
107,749
6,259
51,634
Fit for Growth
**8**
-
-
-
**Total charitable expenditure**
195,827
46,680
60,919
**Total resources expended**
240,271
46,680
60,919|**Total**Unrestricted Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
d esignated
**2020**
2019
2019
2019
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
177,889
31,520
5,512
80,425
203,782
164,105
122,032
-
15,974
13,546
17,037
-
2,568
1,791
179
-
400,213
210,962
144,760
80,425
43,678
43,969
-
-
766
1,423
-
-
44,444
45,392
-
-
38,533
29,414
-
24,053
99,251
30,320
79,213
-
165,642
95,831
4,287
33,805
-
81
-
-
303,426
155,646
83,500
57,858
347,870
201,038
83,500
57,858|Total
2019
**£**
117,457
286,137
30,583
1,970
436,147
43,969
1,423
45,392
53,467
109,533
133,923
81
297,004
342,396| |---|---|---| - 26 - |All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.|The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.||**Fund balances at 31 October 2020**
211,021
250,063
30,134
491,218
94,441
316,881|Fund balances at 1 November 2019
94,441
316,881
27,553
438,875
84,517
255,621|**Net movement in funds**
116,580
(66,818)
2,581
52,343
9,924
61,260|**Net income for the year/**|Gross transfers between funds
66,591
(66,591)
-
-
-
-|**Net incoming resources before transfers**
49,989
(227)
2,581
52,343
9,924
61,260|**_FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020_**|**INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**|**STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||27,553|4,986|22,567||-|22,567|||| ||||438,875|345,124|93,751||-|93,751|||| ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **BALANCE SHEET** ## _**AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ |**Notes**
**Fixed assets**
Intangible assets
**13**
Tangible assets
**14**
**Current assets**
Debtors
**15**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: amounts falling due within**
**one year**
**16**
Net current assets
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Creditors: amounts falling due after**
**more than one year**
Deferred income
**17**
**Net assets**
**Income funds**
Restricted funds
**19**
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
**20**
General unrestricted funds|**2020**
**£**
14,470
456,107
470,577
(30,480)
7,716
250,063
211,021|**£**
48,726
10,111
58,837
440,097
498,934
(7,716)
491,218
30,134
461,084
491,218|**2019**
**£**
6,945
406,539
413,484
(21,499)
9,613
316,881
94,441|**£**
52,566
3,937
56,503
391,985
448,488
(9,613)
438,875
27,553
411,322
438,875| |---|---|---|---|---| - 28 - ## PLANT HERITAGE ## BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) _AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2020_ |||2020||2019|| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Notes|£||£|£|£| The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 October 2020. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 15[th] April 2021 Mr G Morgan Trustee Company Registration No. 2222953 - 29 - ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **1 Accounting policies** ## **Charity information** Plant Heritage is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 12 Home Farm, Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1HS. ## **1.1 Accounting convention** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling , which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary a mounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. ## **1.2 Going concern** At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. ## **1.3 Charitable funds** Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity. ## **1.4 Income** Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. - 30 - ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **1 Accounting policies** ## **(Continued)** ## **1.5 Expenditure** A liability is recognised when either a constructive or legal obligation is identified. Central costs are apportioned between costs of generating funds and charitable activities on the basis of the specific activities of members of staff. Irrecoverable VAT is allocated to the same expenditure heading as the cost to which it relates. Basic financial liabilities are recognised at transaction cost. ## **1.6 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill** Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity. Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases: Website 8 Years Straight Line ## **1.7 Tangible fixed assets** Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases: Computers 4 years Straight Line The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. ## **1.8 Impairment of fixed assets** At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any ) . ## **1.9 Cash and cash equivalents** Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. - 31 - ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **1 Accounting policies** **(Continued)** ## **1.10 Financial instruments** The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. ## _**Basic financial assets**_ Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. ## _**Basic financial liabilities**_ Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future p aymen ts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. ## _**Derecognition of financial liabilities**_ Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. ## **1.11 Employee benefits** The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. ## **1.12 Retirement benefits** Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. ## **1.13 Leases** Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease. - 32 - ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements** In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. - 33 - ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **4 Charitable activities** |**Membership**
**and Shows**
**Educational**
**Meetings and**
**Events held by**
**Area Groups**
**2020**
**2020**
**£**
**£**
Sales within charitable
activities
156,388
47,394
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds -
general
156,388
8,008
Unrestricted funds -
designated
-
39,386
156,388
47,394
**Advertising, publications, sponsorship and trading**
**Unrestricted Unrestricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**general d esignated**
**2020**
**2020**
**£**
**£**
Advertising, publications,
sponsorship and trading
income
12,613
-
Fundraising events
-
3,361
Advertising, publications,
sponsorship and trading
12,613
3,361
**Investments**
**Unrestricted Unrestricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**general d esignated**
**2020**
**2020**
**£**
**£**
Interest receivable
2,450
118||**Total**
**2020**
**Membership**
**and Shows**
**Educational**
**Meetings and**
**Events held by**
**Area Groups**
**2019**
**2019**
**£**
**£**
**£**
203,782
162,709
123,428
164,396
162,709
1,396
39,386
-
122,032
203,782
162,709
123,428
**Total**Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
d esignated
**2020**
2019
2019
**£**
£
£
12,613
13,546
-
3,361
-
17,037
15,974
13,546
17,037
**Total**Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
d esignated
**2020**
2019
2019
**£**
£
£
2,568
1,791
179|**Total**
**2019**
**£**
286,137
164,105
122,032
286,137
Total
2019
£
13,546
17,037
30,583
Total
2019
£
1,970| |---|---|---|---| ||||| ||||| ## **5 Advertising, publications, sponsorship and trading** ## **6 Investments** - 35 - ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **7 Raising funds** ||**Unrestricted**|Unrestricted| |---|---|---| ||**funds**|funds| ||**general**|general| ||**2020**|2019| ||**£**|£| |Costs of generating donations and legacies||| |Staging fundraising events|189|418| |Staff costs|29,610|30,834| |Depreciation and impairment|1,588|924| |Support costs|12,291|11,793| |Costs of generating donations and legacies|43,678|43,969| |Trading costs||| |Support costs|766|1,423| ||44,444|45,392| - 36 - ||Restricted funds|Unrestricted funds - designated|Unrestricted funds - general|**Analysis by fund**|||10)|Share of governance costs (see note|Share of support costs (see note 10)|Grant funding of activities (see note 9)||Other charitable expenditure|Depreciation and impairment|Staff costs|||||**8**
**Charitable activities**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |38,533
99,251|9,285
-|-
40,421|29,248
58,830|||38,533
99,251|586
586||15,684
9,399|-
701|22,263
88,565|913
71,673|1,215
1,215|20,135
15,677|**£**
**£**|**2020**
**2020**|**and Shows**
**Activities**|**Membership**
**Educational**|| |165,642|51,634|6,259|107,749|||165,642|2,570||51,710|10,815|100,547|10,824|5,325|84,398|**£**|**2020**|**Conservation**|**Plant**|| |303,426
53,467
109,533
133,923|60,919
24,053
-
33,805|46,680
-
79,213
4,287|195,827
29,414
30,320
95,831|||303,426
53,467
109,533
133,923|3,742
1,992
-
3,597||76,793
12,451
-
34,376|11,516
-
-
8,428|211,375
39,024
109,533
87,522|83,410
3,180
109,533
7,238|7,755
1,131
-
2,337|120,210
34,713
-
77,947|**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**|**2019**
**2019**
**2019**|**2020**
**and Shows**
**Activities**
**Conservation**|**Total**
**Membership**
**Educational**
**Plant**|| |81|-|-|81|||81|-||-|-|81|81|-|-|**£**|**2019**|**Growth**|**Fit for**|| |297,004|57,858|83,500|155,646|||297,004|5,589||46,827|8,428|236,160|120,032|3,468|112,660|**£**||**2019**|**Total**|| ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **9 Grants payable** |Grants to institutions:
Other
Grants to individuals
**Support costs**
**Support**
**costs**
**Governance**
**costs**
**£**
**£**
Office running costs
89,083
-
Independent
Examination and
Accounts Preparation
-
3,797
Other governance costs
including meetings and
travelling
-
712
89,083
4,509
Analysed between
Fundraising
12,291
766
Trading
-
766
Charitable activities
76,792
3,743
89,083
4,509|**Educational**
**Activities**
**Plant**
**Conservation**
Plant
Conservation
**2020**
**2020**
2019
**£**
**£**
£
-
10,815
8,428
-
10,815
8,428
701
-
-
701
10,815
8,428
**2020**
Support
costs
Governance
costs
2019
**£**
£
£
£
89,083
58,620
-
58,620
3,797
-
3,618
3,618
712
-
3,394
3,394
93,592
58,620
7,012
65,632
13,057
11,793
1,423
13,216
766
-
1,423
1,423
80,535
46,827
5,589
52,416
93,592
58,620
7,012
65,632| |---|---| ## **10 Support costs** Support costs 'office running costs' includes administrative staff costs. ## **11 Trustees** None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, but two (2019: five) of them incurred £486 (2019: £6,907) travelling expenses of which nil (2019: £4,805) was donated back to the charity. - 38 - ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **12 Employees** ## **Number of employees** The average monthly number of employees during the year was: |Fundraising
Plant Conservation
Membership
Finance and admin
**Employment costs**
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs|**2020**
**Number**
1
3
1
1
6
**2020**
**£**
152,732
7,687
7,637
168,056|**2019**
**Number**
1
3
2
-
6
**2019**
**£**
132,239
5,695
5,560
143,494| |---|---|---| 8 (2019: 7) part time employees equate to 5.7 (2019: 5.2) full time staff. There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more. ## **13 Intangible fixed assets** |**Cost**
At 1 November 2019
Additions - internally developed
At 31 October 2020
**Amortisation and impairment**
At 1 November 2019
Amortisation charged for the year
At 31 October 2020
**Carrying amount**
At 31 October 2020
At 31 October 2019|**Website**
**£**
56,158
3,180
59,338
3,592
7,020
10,612
48,726
52,566| |---|---| - 39 - ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **14 Tangible fixed assets** |**Cost**
At 1 November 2019
Additions
At 31 October 2020
**Depreciation and impairment**
At 1 November 2019
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 October 2020
**Carrying amount**
At 31 October 2020
At 31 October 2019
**Debtors**
**Amounts falling due within one year:**
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
**Notes**
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
**17**
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals|**Computers**
**£**
4,736
8,497
13,233
799
2,323
3,122
10,111
3,937
**2020**
**2019**
**£**
**£**
5,740
5,442
3,527
786
5,203
717
14,470
6,945
**2020**
**2019**
**£**
**£**
2,766
2,480
14,690
14,580
6,599
1,456
931
125
5,494
2,858
30,480
21,499| |---|---| ## **15 Debtors** ## **16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year** - 40 - ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **17 Deferred income** |Other deferred income
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities|**2020**
**£**
22,406
**2020**
**£**
14,690
7,716
22,406|**2019**
**£**
24,193
**2019**
**£**
14,580
9,613
24,193| |---|---|---| ## **18 Retirement benefit schemes** ## **Defined contribution schemes** The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £6,801 (2019: £5,560). - 41 - |John and Ruth Howard Charitable Trust (TPP)
-
-
-
-
2,000
(2,000)
-|Jack Patston Charitable Trust (TPP)
-
-
-
-
2,500
(2,500)
-|R Day (Finance Officer)
-
-
-
-
3,000
(2,500)
-|West Midlands Shows Fund
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
-
1,000|Leach 14 Trust/William Dean Trust (£500 each)
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
-
-
-|Finnis Scot Foundation
-
894
(894)
-
-
-
-|Shanley Homes (TPP)
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
-
-
-|The Misses Barrie Charitable Trust
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
-
-
-|Stanley Smith
-
2,000
(2,000)
-
-
-
-|Tanner Trust
-
2,000
(2,000)
-
2,000
(2,000)
-|Topinambour Trust
-
4,000
(4,000)
-
4,000
(4,000)
-|Banister Charitable Trust
-
5,000
(5,000)
-
-
-
-|Rothermere Trust
-
5,000
(5,000)
-
-
-
-|Herts and Bedfordshire Group
30
-
(30)
-
-
-
-|Cheshire Group
250
-
(250)
-
-
-
-|Godington Charitable Trust (Kent Group)
140
-
(140)
-
-
-
-|Alfred Williams Charitable Trust (Plant Conservation Suffolk)
500
-
(500)
-
-
-
-|Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust (Midlands)
500
-
(500)
-
-
-
-|RHS Coke Trust (Workshops)
854
-
(854)
-
-
-
-|Cruach Trust (Collection Holders Conference))
973
-
(973)
-
-
-
-|Hugh Fraser Foundation (Collection Holders Conference)
1,000
-
(1,000)
-
-
-
-|Ridley Family Charity (Plant Health Workshop)
739
-
(739)
-
-
-
-|Esmee Fairbairn (Conservation Manager)
-
57,531
(30,978)
26,553
50,000
(47,419)
29,134|**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**|**2018**
**2019**
**2020**|**1 November**
**Resources**
**Expended**
**1 November**
**Resources**
**Expended**
**31 October**|**Balance at**
**Incoming**
**Resources**
**Balance at**
**Incoming**
**Resources**
**Balance at**|**Movement in funds**
**Movement in funds**|The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:|**19**
**Restricted funds**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |**Database**- Updating the National Collections database.|**Plant Guardians**- records threatened plants conserved by Plant Heritage members in their own gardens|**NCH Training**- workshops and education materials for National Collection Holders|**Threatened Plants Project**- assesses plants threatened in cultivation, at cultivar, not species, level.|**Directory**- annual publication of National Plant Collections, their locations, contact details and other useful information||4,986
80,425
(57,858)
27,553|**19**
**Restricted funds**|**_FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020_**|**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |||||||63,500|||| |||||||(60,419)
30,134|**(Continued)**||| ## |The Project Fund provides for spending on specific projects planned for the short to medium term.|**Project Fund**|accounts as at the period end.|by its members and geographical location. The Designated Fund represents the income and expenditure from group activities and the value retained in bank|Area Groups carry out activities throughout the year in accordance with the charity's objectives whilst remaining sympathetic and relevant to each group as defined|**Area Groups**||255,621
144,760
(83,500)
316,881
46,453
(46,680)
(66,591)
250,063|Project fund
80,000
-
-
80,000
-
-
-
80,000|Area Groups
175,621
144,760
(83,500)
236,881
46,453
(46,680)
(66,591)
170,063|**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**|**2018**
**2019**
**2020**|**1 November**
**Resources**
**Expended**
**1 November**
**Resources**
**Expended**
**31 October**|**Balance at**
**Incoming**
**Resources**
**Balance at**
**Incoming**
**Resources**
**Transfers**
**Balance at**|**Movement in funds**
**Movement in funds**|The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:|**20**
**Designated funds**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |211,021
250,063|Long term liabilities
(7,716)
-|Current assets/(liabilities)
159,900
250,063|Tangible assets
10,111
-|Intangible fixed assets
48,726
-|by:|Fund balances at 31 October 2020 are represented|**£**
**£**|**2020**
**2020**|**Fund**|**Project**|**Office**
**Groups and**|**National**
**Area**|**21**
**Analysis of net assets between funds**|**_FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020_**|**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |30,134|-|30,134|-|-|||**£**|**2020**|||**Funds**|**Restricted**|||| |491,218|(7,716)|440,097|10,111|48,726|||**£**|**2020**||||**Total**|||| |94,441
316,881|(9,613)
-|47,551
316,881|3,937
-|52,566
-|||£
£|2019
2019||Fund|Office
and Project|National
Area Groups|||| |27,553|-|27,553|-|-|||£|2019|||Funds|Restricted|||| |438,875|(9,613)|391,985|3,937|52,566|||£|2019||||Total|||| ## **PLANT HERITAGE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020**_ ## **22 Operating lease commitments** At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows: ||**2020**|**2019**| |---|---|---| ||**£**|**£**| |Between two and five years|-|38,819| - 46 -