OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2022-03-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1041842

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust Unaudited financial statements

For the year ended

31 March 2022

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2022

Page
Trustees' annual report 1
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 5
Statement of financial activities 7
Balance sheet 8
Notes to the financial statements 9

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Trustees' annual report

Year ended 31 March 2022

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2022.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 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 published in October 2019.

Reference and administrative details

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Registered charity name Charity registration number 1041842 Principal office Alde House Glemham Road Sweffling Saxmundham IP17 2BQ

The trustees

The trustees who served during the year and at the date of approval were as follows:

Mrs A S Daniel Miss C Daniel Mrs C Weatherby Mrs M Boyle (appointed 24 March 2022) Independent examiner Mr M C Waters FCCA Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered accountants The Wherry Quay Street Halesworth Suffolk IP19 8ET Bankers Barclays 24 High Street Saxmundham Suffolk IP17 1AE Lloyds 15 Blackheath Village Blackheath London SE3 9LH

- 1 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Trustees' annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

Objectives and activities

The charity's objectives are to advance the conservation of wildlife and wild places for public benefit. The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are to manage its property in order to meet its objectives and there has been no change in these during the year.

The area of benefit is the county of Suffolk and Norfolk.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

This year the contribution from volunteers was a major support for the nature trail maintenance. Various forest school activities took place and the Trust hosted family events in outdoor spaces using traditional crafts and materials from the site. Some workshops were based in the converted old cattle shed which also provided a covered working area for conservation staff and volunteers.

The trading arm of the charity, Secret Meadows Ltd, which donated a significant sum this year, continued its award winning success by winning the East of England Tourism Award in the category for camping, glamping, holiday park and self catering accommodation of the year. Secret Meadows also retains the Green Tourism Gold Award.

- 2 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Trustees' annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

Financial review

During the year the Trust had net income of £135,571 (2021: net expenditure £46,561). At the year end, the Trust held unrestricted funds of £545,642 (2021: £410,071) and restricted funds of £Nil (2021: £Nil).

Reserves policy

At 31 March 2022 the Trust had £69,197 free reserves which exceeded the previous years target. The unrestricted fund current assets exceeded current liabilities by £69,197 (2021: current liabilities exceeded current assets by £41,229).

The Trust had previously set a target level of reserves of £10,000 to be met by the end of 5 years which has now been surpassed. It should be noted that the Business Interruption Claim against NFU Mutual for lockdown closure of Secret Meadows Limited during 2019 and early 2020 has become part of a group claim and remains in progress.

It was discussed and agreed that Secret Meadows Limited should continue to set aside 4% of 2022 season bookings income in a contingency fund as 2% to cover self-insurance in case of future lockdowns and 2% for repair and maintenance of Sinfield Trust glamping assets. As at 31 March 2022 the contingency fund had a balance of £8,321 after having only used a small amount to replace infrastructure during the year.

It was agreed that the Trust will continue to try and achieve 100% grant funding, probably from more than one source, for the rescue and renovation of the collapsing cart shed adjacent to the main barn to create a year round holiday let which could achieve an annual profit of £22,239. This project would include charity and community use for a set number of weeks per year covering just our base costs. We already have staff who can handle the additional booking administration and cleaning.

Plans for the future

The trustees will continue to assess the possibilities for renovation and use of traditional buildings at White House Farm to increase the income of Secret Meadows. The Trust has started working with an architect on the design in June 2022 so that an expression of interest application can be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund and includes both the main barn and cart shed.

Impact of Covid

During the year Secret Meadows bookings were above the average as holiday bookings which were postponed during lockdown periods were fulfilled. Secret Meadows continued to benefit from people holidaying in the UK because of difficulties with travel abroad and this allowed a substantial donation to be made to the Trust.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The charity was established by a charitable trust deed on 10 October 1994 and registered as a charity on 22 November 1994.

- 3 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Trustees' annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

Structure, governance and management (continued)

Trustee recruitment, induction and training

The Trust is administered by a board of trustees, of which there shall be at least three trustees, who have the power of appointing a new trustee or trustees based upon their personal or professional qualifications to make a contribution to the pursuit of the objectives or the management of the charity.

All trustees listed above held office throughout the year, unless otherwise stated.

On appointment to the board, trustees will be provided with copies of:

The trustees meet regularly to discuss all governance matters concerning the trust. At these meetings the trustees consider and make decisions on all actions to be taken in accordance with the trusts objectives.

Risk assessment

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the trust is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Related parties

On 26 March 2008 a wholly owned subsidiary, Secret Meadows Limited was incorporated. The company remained dormant until 1 April 2012 when it commenced in the non charitable trading activities of the trust.

True and fair override

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a "true and fair" view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a "true and fair" view. This departure has involved Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic or Ireland (FRS102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Independent examiner

Mr M C Waters FCCA of Lovewell Blake LLP is willing to be appointed as independent examiner for the ensuing year.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 30 January 2023 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Mrs A S Daniel Trustee

- 4 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Year ended 31 March 2022

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2022 which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet and the related notes.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

- 5 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts (financial statements) in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has since been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

Mr M C Waters FCCA Independent Examiner

Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered accountants The Wherry Quay Street Halesworth Suffolk IP19 8ET

30 January 2023

- 6 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Statement of financial activities

Year ended 31 March 2022

2022 2022 2021
Unrestricted
funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 185,914 185,914 11,031
Charitable activities 5 26,858 26,858 27,486
Investment income 6 23,575 23,575 11,600
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
Total income 236,347 236,347 50,117
=============================== =============================== ==========================
Expenditure
Charitable activities 7 100,776 100,776 96,678
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
Total expenditure 100,776 100,776 96,678
=============================== =============================== ==========================
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
Net income/(expenditure) and net movement in funds 135,571 135,571 (46,561)
=============================== =============================== ==========================
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 410,071 410,071 456,632
------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Total funds carried forward 545,642 545,642 410,071
=============================== =============================== ===============================

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 9 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

- 7 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Balance sheet

31 March 2022

2022 2021
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 12 1,103,176 1,110,319
Investments 13 1 1
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
1,103,177 1,110,320
Current assets
Cattle 14 12,350 10,450
Debtors 15 4,765 524
Cash at bank and in hand 96,370 60,174
------------------------------- --------------------------
113,485 71,148
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year 16 44,288 112,377
------------------------------- -------------------------------
Net current assets 69,197 (41,229)
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Total assets less current liabilities 1,172,374 1,069,091
Creditors: Amounts falling due after
more than one year 17 626,732 659,020
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net assets 545,642 410,071
======================================= =======================================
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds 545,642 410,071
------------------------------- -------------------------------
Total charity funds 18 545,642
===============================
410,071
===============================

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 30 January 2023, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Mrs A S Daniel Trustee

The notes on pages 9 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

- 8 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Notes to the financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2022

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Alde House, Glemham Road, Sweffling, Saxmundham, IP17 2BQ.

2. Statement of compliance

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charites (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following the 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 issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

3. Accounting policies

(a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.

(b) Going concern

The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis and the Trust believes that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected income and expenditure for the next 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the Trust to be able to continue as a going concern.

The trustees have taken into account the effects of COVID-19 in making this assessment.

(c) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

(d) Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

- 9 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

3. Accounting policies (continued)

(e) Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apprortioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

(f) Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

(g) Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Plant and machinery - 20% and 10% straight line Fixtures and fittings - 20% straight line

White House Farm is not depreciated as it comprises 115 acres of pasture, woodland, ponds and hedgerows and the trustees consider that any depreciation of the buildings would not be material.

(h) Investments

Unlisted equity investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently measured at fair value. If fair value cannot be reliably measured, assets are measured at cost less impairment.

(i) Cattle

The cattle herd is included at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition.

- 10 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

3. Accounting policies (continued)

(j) Financial instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

4. Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2022 Funds 2021
£ £ £ £
Donations
Donations and gifts 185,525 185,525 10,141 10,141
Subscriptions
Memberships 389 389 890 890
------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
185,914 185,914 11,031 11,031
=============================== =============================== ========================== ==========================
5. Charitable activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2022 Funds 2021
£ £ £ £
Grants and farm subsidies 22,388 22,388 23,574 23,574
Other income 4,470 4,470 3,912 3,912
-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
26,858 26,858 27,486 27,486
========================== ========================== ========================== ==========================
6. Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2022 Funds 2021
£ £ £ £
Rental income 23,575 23,575 11,600 11,600
========================== ========================== ========================== ==========================

Investment income includes rental income from Secret Meadows Limited £15,500 (2021: £6,500) and Woodland House £8,075 (2021: £5,100).

- 11 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

7. Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2022 Funds 2021
£ £ £ £
Cattle expenses 6,250 6,250 7,711 7,711
Water rates 2,166 2,166 1,852 1,852
Property costs 4,075 4,075 5,392 5,392
Insurance 7,697 7,697 6,824 6,824
Land management 23,109 23,109 14,309 14,309
Equipment costs 4,021 4,021 4,087 4,087
Governance costs 2,025 2,025 2,025 2,025
Professional fees 100 100 665 665
Office costs 3,102 3,102 1,971 1,971
Depreciation 31,384 31,384 31,439 31,439
Loan interest 21,032 21,032 18,665 18,665
Bank charges 212 212 109 109
Miscellaneous 1,854 1,854 1,629 1,629
Profit/loss on disposal of assets (6,251) (6,251)
------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
100,776 100,776 96,678 96,678
=============================== =============================== ========================== ==========================
Analysis of governance costs
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
Funds funds 2022 2021
£ £ £ £
Independent examination fees 2,025 2,025 2,025
====================== ============= ====================== ======================
8. Net income/(expenditure)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
2022 2021
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 31,384 31,438
========================== ==========================
9. Independent examination fees
2022 2021
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 2,025
======================
2,025
======================

10. Staff costs

During the year staff costs of £23,204 were incurred from Secret Meadows Limited in respect of land management. Secret Meadows Limited is a company in which the trustees Mrs Amanda Daniel and Miss Charlotte Daniel are directors.

11. Trustee remuneration and expenses

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year.

- 12 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

12. Tangible fixed assets

Freehold Plant and Fixtures and
property machinery fittings Total
£ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2021 1,026,055 323,825 2,773 1,352,653
Additions 8,763 15,478 24,241
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------------------------
At 31 March 2022 1,034,818 339,303 2,773 1,376,894
======================================= =============================== ====================== =======================================
Depreciation
At 1 April 2021 239,788 2,546 242,334
Charge for the year 31,157 227 31,384
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------------------------
At 31 March 2022 270,945 2,773 273,718
======================================= =============================== ====================== =======================================
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2022 1,034,818 68,358 1,103,176
======================================= =============================== ====================== =======================================
At 31 March 2021 1,026,055 84,037 227 1,110,319
======================================= =============================== ====================== =======================================

13. Investments

Other
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2021 1
Additions
-------------
At 31 March 2022 1
=============
Impairment
At 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022
=============
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2022 1
=============
At 31 March 2021 1
=============

All investments shown above are held at valuation.

The charity holds the entire share capital of 1 ordinary share of £1 each in Secret Meadows Limited, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. The principal activity of the company is running a glamping campsite. The results for the company for the year are:

2021 2020
£ £
Turnover 395,477 131,426
Profit for the year 183,643 9,068
Gifted to the charity 183,643 9,068
Net assets 603 603

- 13 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

14. Stocks
2022 2021
£ £
Cattle 12,350 10,450
========================== ==========================
15. Debtors
2022 2021
£ £
Trade debtors 524
Amounts owed by group undertakings 4,765
---------------------- -------------
4,765 524
====================== =============
16. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2022 2021
£ £
Bank loans and overdrafts 5,000 13,266
Trade creditors 9,464 4,513
Amounts owed to group undertakings 61,071
Accruals and deferred income 2,025 3,825
Social security and other taxes 299 2,202
Other creditors 27,500 27,500
-------------------------- -------------------------------
44,288 112,377
========================== ===============================
17. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
2022 2021
£ £
Bank loans and overdrafts 626,732 659,020
=============================== ===============================

Included within creditors falling due after more than one year is an amount of £585,482 (2021: £589,715) in respect of liabilities which fall due for payment after more than five years from the balance sheet date and are secured on assets owned by the trust.

- 14 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

18. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds

Year ended 31 March 2022

Year ended 31 March 2022
At 1 April At 31
2021 Income Expenditure March 2022
£ £ £ £
General funds 410,071 236,347 (100,776) 545,642
=============================== =============================== =============================== ===============================
Year ended 31 March 2021
At 1 April At 31
2020 Income Expenditure March 2021
£ £ £ £
General funds 456,632 50,117 (96,678) 410,071
=============================== ========================== ========================== ===============================
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2022
£ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,103,176 1,103,176
Investments 1 1
Current assets 113,485 113,485
Creditors less than 1 year (44,288) (44,288)
Creditors greater than 1 year (626,732) (626,732)
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net assets 545,642 545,642
======================================= =======================================
Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2021
£ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,110,319 1,110,319
Investments 1 1
Current assets 71,148 71,148
Creditors less than 1 year (112,377) (112,377)
Creditors greater than 1 year (659,020) (659,020)
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net assets 410,071 410,071
======================================= =======================================

19. Analysis of net assets between funds

- 15 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

20. Related parties

During the year the following transactions were carried out with related parties:

Secret Meadows Limited is a company in which the trustees Mrs A Daniel and Miss C Daniel are directors. Included within the results for the year are the following transactions in relation to Secret Meadows Limited:

2022 2021
£ £
Rental income 15,500 6,500
Donations and gifts 183,643 9,068
Land management (23,204) (14,093)
------------------------------- --------------------------
175,939 1,475
=============================== ==========================

Included within creditors is a balance of £Nil (2021: £61,071) which is owed to Secret Meadows Limited.

Included within debtors is a balance of £4,765 (2021: £Nil) which is owed from Secret Meadows Limited.

Miss C Daniel is a trustee of The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust. Included within the results for the year is income received from Miss C Daniel:

2022 2021
£ £
Rental income 8,075 5,100
Water rates 480 253
---------------------- ----------------------
8,555 5,353
====================== ======================

Included within creditors is a balance of £Nil (2021: £Nil) which is owed to Miss C Daniel.

Insight Rural Consultants Limited is a company in which the trustee Mrs A Daniel is a director. Included within the results for the year are the following transactions in relation to Insight Rural Consultants Limited:

2022 2021
£ £
RPA management charges 100 100
Software subscriptions 319
------------- -------------
419 100
============= =============

- 16 -

The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2022

R N Creasy is a partnership in which the trustees Mrs A Daniel and Miss C Daniel are partners. Included within the results for the year are the following transactions which are expenses of the Trust that have been recharged from R N Creasy at cost:

2022 2021
£ £
Office costs 147
============= =============

During the year memberships amounting to £21 were received from the Trustees.

- 17 -