Clean Rivers
Trust Registered Charity No: 1037414
Annual Report And
Accounts
30[th] November 2022
(1[st] December 2021 - 30[th] November 2022)
73 Sir Harrys Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2UX
Information.
This report is the legal annual report and accounts of Clean Rivers Trust, as lodged with, and submitted to the Charity Commission. Registered Charity Number 1037414. The Charity is based at 73 Sir Harrys Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2UX UK. Phone 0121 440 8046.
This document is produced and published using environmentally sustainable materials.
Legal and Administrative Information.
Trustees ; Rodney Gilmour, Peter Jones OBE, Laura Bishop, Lawrence van Kampen Brooks, Paul Southby, Dr Sally Little and Dr Matt Johnson.
Director : Professor Harvey Wood Dip AD, MA, PhD, FRSA, FRGS, FGS, FLS, LSDC hwoop@aol.com . 07885 422428
Trust Address : 73 Sir Harrys Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2UX Phone : 0121 440 8046
Web Site : www.cleanriverstrust.co.uk
Bankers.
Barclays Bank plc, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire.
Santander, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire.
Solicitors.
BrowneJacobson LLP, Mowbray House, Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham NG2 1BJ
Meetings.
The Trustees convened four times in the financial period 1[st] December 2021 to 30[th] November 2022.
2
Directors Report.
The last twelve months have seen a great increase in activity for the Trust. There has been a post-pandemic leap forward in activity. Field work has increased as has the scope of projects. Research into solutions for major issues like the etrification of the River Wye has seen research into new areas such as waste handing and machinery. The developing of new partnerships with local and national industrial companies.
The relief that social distancing ceased has been notable, meetings and field work have returned to a more normal state of affairs. This has though been tempered by the amount of bird flue that has been witnessed across the country so requiring the Trust to maintain a high level of biosecurity whilst in the field where waterfowl have been present.
Our major Tar Pit Project at Cinderhill has seen an increase in activity. A new layer of compost was placed across much of the site which added to the nutrient on the site. Much of the compost placed on the site initially has now been incorporated into the tars by microbial and earthworm activity as the tars are broken down. Many of the trees planted as cuttings or horizontal whips have grown up to 5 metres in height and developed well. The tree growth has suffered this year from the record temperatures recorded on site during the drought this summer. The trees have also been attacked by infestations of Giant Willow aphid which have had a detrimental effect on them. We sought expert advice that originally informed the Trust that the aphids would have no impact on growth, this was patently wrong’ later advice from New Zealand confirmed that the infestations had to be controlled. This was carried out by removal from the plants by hand.
A fungus has been discovered on site that is breaking down the tars has been found by the University of Nottingham to also break down PVCs, the first natural organism to be identified that is able to do so. The fungi are believed to be new to science and may have a place in the breakdown of certain plastic pollutions.
A lake filled with acidic water on the site has now had its initial remedial treatment using limestone filled gabions. The wetlands are developing around the edges of the lake and increasing habitat value. The acidity of the water is improving and once a winter of rainfall recharges the feed aquifer water quality will benefit the increasing populations of dragonfly and alderfly.
The findings from our work at Cinderhill are to be published very shortly, slightly later than was anticipated but with the discovery of new fungi and bacteria involved in the remediation of the tars they needed to be included.
Tar pits are present across many parts of the UK, most are hidden and have been lost from the records of local authorities due to changes in local government since the 1970s. the effects they have on natural waters are still not recognised by many regulators and
3
health bodies. There are over 30 sites known and a suspected 90 more yet to be confirmed. The Trust is working with several local authorities to put together treatment plans that might be managed on a local level.
We continue to be working on projects regarding mine wastes across much of the UK (including Kent, Devon, Anglesey Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, and Fife) water from abandoned mines and the long-term care of tailings dam impoundments, both in the UK and globally. The Trust have advised on several projects taking place in other parts of the world. We have been involved in the establishment of two treatment schemes in the UK this year. The Trust was present at the Cornish Mining Conference in Falmouth this last year.
The Trust continues to extol the use of minewater from the abandoned minefields of the country as a resource. The value to society of heat and water being made more obvious at this time of global climate concern. There is a possible project in the Midlands that will involve us.
The Trust continues to work with communities to help to develop flood protection schemes wherever possible. We have advised several local authorities and householders on issues such as clean-up of contaminants after flooding has entered properties.
The Trust continues its support of the archaeological research being carried out in the Trent Valley around Newark. This has required us developing contacts with several other research institutions such as the British Museum. This work continues to allow us to discover the state of the river through time. River restoration schemes are being carried out by several organisations which have requested advice that has been supplied.
The Trust has continued to advise several out of country governments and organisations about water issues. Several African, Asian, and European countries have received our advice over the past year. These consultations are carried out to foster international cooperation, best practise, and good will. No costs have been incurred by the Trust carrying out these services.
The Trust continues to be available to communities and individuals who seek advice or support regarding any issue regarding pollution of rivers and streams across the UK. This is a unique feature of the Trust and one aspect of our work that has never changed.
Harvey Wood. Director
1[st] December 2022
4
Report of the Trustees; Including Public Benefit.
The Trustees of Clean Rivers Trust present their report of the Charity and its activities to outline their due diligence with regard to the demonstration of Public Benefit, and to show that the works that have been undertaken are in line with the registered aims and objectives of the Trust. The Clean Rivers Trust was founded as an organisation in 1990 and is governed by a Deed of Trust registered with the Charity Commission in 1994.
The objects of the Trust being ‘to advance the education of the public by research and dissemination of any findings regarding the care of inland and estuarine waters and to benefit the environment of rivers and inland waters by the research and the implementation of such research findings.
The Trust has developed its governance by agreeing a set of policies which are published. A continuous audit of the Trustees abilities demonstrates it to be satisfactory and all areas of governance are represented by the composition of the body. The accounting is conducted according to directions of and as outlined by the Charity Commission. The Trustees are aware of the need for a wide base of expertise and talent within the management structure of the organisation and function as Trustees of the Trust. Those who are at present Trustees all have expertise in areas that are of considerable worth to Clean Rivers Trust and do not just function as a body for meetings.
The Trustees undertake to ensure that the organisation is compliant of its Trust Deed and its stated aims and objectives. The Trust does not lobby on behalf of any political, commercial, or ideological entity and has never done so.
The Directors Report outlines the activities the Trust has been involved with over the last year. The Trustees can report the Trust continues to receive support from a wide range of experts and is able to count on specialists from most water, energy, mineral/mining, and conservation disciplines.
The finances of the Trust have been adequate over this last year which has allowed further research activity which has been reported on in the Directors Report. The natural pragmatism of the Trustees is to protect the moneys earned by the Trust to ensure the long-term research plans. The Trust has not spent any funds outside the UK in the last year.
December 2022
5
Accounts.
The following section contain the receipts and payments accounts of Clean Rivers Trust, as set out by the Charity Commission in their letter of September 2015.
2022 2021 £ £ Receipts Unrestricted Grants and Donations 44,000 21,460 Restricted Grants and Donations 32,200 10,000 Fees 0 6,000 Gross income 76,200 37,460 Sales of assets/investments 0 0 Total Receipts 76,200 37,460
6
| 2022 2021 | |
|---|---|
| £ £ | |
| Payments | |
Rent/utilities/insurance |
10,950 9,790 |
| Travel | 4,790 1,304 |
| Books/Library | 2,782 1,960 |
| Research (Totals £53,689 £26,623) | |
| • Laboratory costs |
4,260 1,900 |
| • Field Work |
8,850 9,253 |
| • Education |
4,547 5,582 |
| • Materials |
7,080 1,109 |
| • Health and Safety |
2,239 1,250 |
| • Equipment |
1,842 1,029 |
| • Research Assistance |
24,871 6,500 |
| Accounting/bookkeeping | 405 250 |
| Memberships | 780 680 |
| Bank Charges | 112 87 |
| Web/internet site | 550 400 |
| Sub Total | 74,058 41,094 |
Purchases of assets/investments |
0 0 |
Total Payments |
74,058 41,094 |
7
2022 2021 £ £ Cash funds at end of year In bank at 1[st] December 28,726 26,584
Research expenses due to the Trust under agreement with funder 0 0 Research fees due to Trust 0 0 Outstanding moneys owed by Trust 0 0
Notes:
-
Most receipts of funding were unrestricted. Those funds that were restricted being for works in Derbyshire, and Devon which were duly ring-fenced.
-
There are no investment assets, nor were any investments sold or purchased during this accounting year.
-
No funds were used for projects outside the UK.
-
Research costs included the operation of the trust’s own laboratory, commercial laboratory analysis of water and other samples, health and safety arrangements, procurement of samples, growing media, tools, and other related items.
-
The library is valued (estimate 2021) for replacement at £174,000. The valuation of books being a difficult subject today due to the availability of many rare texts on-line.
8
Independent Examiners Report.
To the Trustees of Clean Rivers Trust (Charity Registration Number 1037414).
This is my third year I have examined the accounts of Clean Rivers Trust.
The accounts and report for the year ending 30[th] November 2021; set out on pages 6 – 10 of the Annual Report and Accounts of Clean Rivers Trust.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Charities Act and more recent guidance and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under relevant sections of the Charities Acts 2011 and 2016 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and its amendments up to and including those published in October 2018,
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under the Charities Act, and the Statement of Recommended Practice).
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examination
My examination was conducted in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently
9
no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
The Examination has been carried out in line with the Charity Commission’s Statement of Recommended Practice.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention;
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Howard Dodds
Examiner.
- 2[nd] December 2022
10
Appendices.
I
Funders and Acknowledgements.
The following persons and organisations have contributed to the Trust to enable its work to develop. Each donor is thanked by letter or e mail, whichever is the preferred method of communication. Some organisations who contributed to Clean Rivers Trust over the last financial year wished to remain anonymous, others include: The Anson Trust, Swire Charitable Trusts, Henry C Hoare Charitable Trust, Northwick Trust, Wilmcote Charitrust, Sir John and Lady Amory Charitable Trust, William A Cadbury Charitable Trust, Mary Kinross Charitable Trust, Tay Charitable Trust, Open Gate Trust, Stella Symonds Charitable Trust, Clutterbuck Trust, Chapman Charitable Trust, Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust, Irving Memorial Trust, Edward and DorothyCadbury Trust, Southall Trust, Trefoil Trust, 29[th] May 1961 Charitable Trust, R G Hill Charitable Trust, and Sabena Sutherland Charitable Trust,
The Trust acknowledges the support in time and practical assistance to the following people and organisations; Noreen Shears, Eur Ing Victor A Johnson, Nathan Coop, Sophie Annable, the Coal Authority, Shaun Walters, Longcliffe Quarry Ltd., Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Natural England, and many others who have given their expertise.
II
Library.
The library has grown over the years to be of importance to both the organisation and outside researchers alike. It holds reports dating back to the 18[th] Century and its comprehensive river related documents from the 1990s produced by the National Rivers Authority and Environment Agency are the most complete available.
The Trust continues to welcome researchers to the library by appointment.
11