%01 S*4*
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Registered Charity Number: 1052032
Annual Report and financial statements for the 12 months ended 31 sl December 2024
Contents
General information
Trustees, r8POrt
Independent examiner's report
Statement of financial activities
Balance sheet
Notes to the accounts
10

FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
General Information for the 12 months ended 3181 December 2024
Ref8r8nce and administration details
Charity nam&
Friends of Swansea Botanical Gardens
Working name
FSBG
Charity Number
1052032
Charity's prlncipal address
Botanical Gardens
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 9DU
Trustees
Beth Winkley
Sonja Olsen
Chairperson- appointed 29 May 2024
Susan Barker
Treasurer
Gaynor cla￿orthY Sècretary- retired 29 May 2024
Wendy Owen
Secretary - appointed 29th May 2024
Ceri Davies
Jan8t Leach
Howard Morgan
Emilie Short
Jeff Thomas
Amanda White
Stephen Kidwell
Jane Terrett
Pamela Morgan
Chairperson- retired 29th May 2024
th
th
th
Retired 29 May 2024
Retired 171h January 2024
Appointed 29th May 2024
Appointed 151 August 2024
Independent examiner
Stephen Kent & Company
Chartered Accountants
456 Gower Road
Killay
Swansea SA2 7AL
Bankers
Lloyds Bank plc
Oxford Street
Swansea SA13AF

ISOI S*4*
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Trustees Annual Report for the 12 months ended 31st December 2024
The Trustees present their report along with the financial statements for the twelve months ended
31 D8cember 2024. The financial statem8nts comply with the Charities Act 2011 and SORP and
with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland
(FRS102).
Structure, Governance & Management
Friends of the City of Swansea Botanical Complex was established in 1994 in order to promote the
Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park, Clyne Gardens and Plantasia. In 2021 the organisation was
renamed as Friends of Swansea Botanical Gardens (FSBG) to reflect that the organisation now
only supports th8 Bolanical Gardens in Singleton Park. The organisation was registered as a
charity in 1995 with a Constitution which has subsequently had small amendments.
Its income is generated from the sale of plants at a well-established shop, which has been trading
for twenty-eight years. Additional income is acquired through grant funding for specific projects.
FSBG has no assets other than cash at the bank, its plant stock and th8 goodwill of the
volunteers.
FSBG is based in two polytunnels within the Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park. FSBG operates
under a three-year Licence & Agreement with City & County of Swansea which was last renewed
in October 2017. The Legal Department of the City & County of Swansea is now looking into the
renewal of the Licence. All projects undertaken in the Gardens ar8 either initiated by the Council or
with the agreement of the Council. FSBG is an affiliated society of the Royal Horticultural Society
[RHS]. Annual insurance with public liability up to £10million is in place.
The affairs of FSBG are managed by a Board of Trustees consisting of up to thirteen members
(ten at present) to include three Office Bearers - Chair, Honorary Secretary and Honorary
Treasurer. Included in the thirteen is a representative of the City Council. All Officers are elected
annually and the Chair may not serve more than three consecutive years without the approval of
the AGM. All other members are elected annually for a period of three consecutive years. All give
their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits other than documented
expenses. The Committee meets five times each year with the int8ntion of acting in the best
interests of the Charity. The AGM is held in May.
Documentation is in place to cover financial policy, equality and diversity, safeguarding,
volunteering, environment and grievances. All volunteers have copies of these documents. They
are updated as needed to keep pace with legislation.
FSBG is run entirely by volunteers and offers volunteering opportunities for a diverse section of
the local community. These volunteering opportunities offer roles for peopl8 of various abilities.
Without willing volunteers generously giving their time and their skills the charity would not exist.

FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Volunteer numbers have remained steady this year with a strong core of regular volunteers. A
growing number of enquiries have been received through our website for both the polytunnel and
horticultural volunteering opportunities and induction sessions are arranged on a regular basis.
Trading
Income is achieved through trading in the community Plant Shop and from grant funding for
specific projects. 2024 has been a successful trading year in the shop. Takings were 5 % less
than the previous year.
Stock for the Shop comes from three sources." purchased from reputable suppliers, propagated by
volunteers from seed and existing stock or donated by the Council and supporters. Stock levels
are reviewed regularly to ensure that an adequate range is offered for sale.
Supplies of plants and compost improved this year again, although prices have risen. Building on
the success of recent years we continue to place more reliance on propagating our own stock,
ensuring that we are more resilient to market fluctuations.
Objectives & Activities
The overall aims and objectives of FSBG are to preserve, conserve, restore and maintain the
gardens and grounds in the Botanical Gardens for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.
Achievements & Performance
In 2024 FSBG used £20,436 funds generated by the legacy of Shirley Margaret Dean to repaint
and repair outbuildings in the Botanical Gardens. The £18,700 grant from The Postcode Lottery
awarded at the end of 2023, was used to erect wooden benches around a number of trees, in
shady areas.
Also, another decorative metal entrance gate was purchased at a cost of £7,000
An Awards for All Community Fund grant of £4,985 was used to equip all volunteer groups who
work in the historic gardens and Singleton Park, Swansea with the n8cessary tools to carry out
their work more effectlV81y.
An Austin Bailey Foundation grant was used to help purchase a Defibrillator, its waterproof cabinet
and 7year car8 package plus training for volunteers. The Defibrillator is sited conspicuously within
the Botanical Gardens.
Plants and other materials for the gardens costing £9,395 were purchased by FSBG.
We have replaced the staging in the Orchid Greenhouse to enable the parks staff to increase their
stock of exotic plants.

FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Du@ to the damage caused by Storm Darragh in December 2024 we lost our shop polytunnel. We
have had to transfer as much as w8 could, cupboards, stationary, reference books, tools, sales
equipment, compost, plant feed, plants, workstations, seating etc, in fact everything needed to
work, prepare and pot up plants, to our second polytunn81 normally used for storage, Our
volunteers worked tirelessly all through January to enable the shop to be reopened safely for the
public and for our volunteers.
Future Plans
FSBG will fund the Wildflower and Wellbeing Garden to be planted with fruit trees and perennials
as the soil, we have now discovered, does not support the wildflowers previously planted. With
the new planting in the 26 quadrangle flower beds, we plan to use botanical labels with QR codes
to inform the visitors what is growing in each bed.
We are introducing work-shops for our volunteers to 8nhance their knowledge and interest. These
workshops include planting procedures, understanding soil type, propagation, seed growing,
pruning times and and general plant care.
FSBG will arrange for the repair and renovation of all the seating around the quadrangle and in the
Wellbeing and Wildflower Garden approx. 70 seats.
FSBG will fund the new planting of the Herb Garden with wheelchairs in mind to enable everyone
to enjoy the aromas around new pathways.
We have an ageing group of knowledgeable people, who need to pass on their knowledg8 to the
next generation, 8ut there is a serious problem in finding younger volunteers, not only to carry on
the work of FSBG, but also to become trustees and eventually take on officer responsibilities.
Succession is a very serious problem for the future of the Friends of Swansea Botanical Gardens.
The Trustees are giving close attention to this matter.
Financial Review and Reserves Policy
Unrestricted funds., Incoming resources amounted to £60,411 (2023: £40,202) and expenditure of
£52,428 (2023: £48,263) was incurred. There was therefore net incoming resources of £7,983
(2023: outgoing £8,061) Adding the surplus to opening unrestricted funds of £76,473 {2022:
£84,534) results in unrestricted funds carried forward at 31 st December 2024 were £84,456 (2023:
£76,473). These unrestricted funds will be utilised on future projects.
Restricted funds: There was incoming resources of £6,028 (2023.. £19,200) and expenditure of
£24,855 (2023: £373) was incurred. There was therefore net outgoing resources of £18,827 (2023:
incoming £18,827) Balances brought forward were £18,827. Restricted funds carried forward are

FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Reserves Policy
FSBG managing Committe8 has resolved to set aside a sum of money to provide financial stability
and the m8ans for the development of our principal activities. It Is intended to maintain the reserves
at £20,000 for the coming year, in order to meet any unforeseen requirements or emergencies. This
does not include the cost of operating stocks of plants and consumables, without which the charity
cannot function.
In addition of being able to cover potential risks and contingencies that may arise from time to time,
the R8serves Policy aims to maintain sufficient lev81 of reserves to enable normal operating activities
to continue over a period of up to 12 months should a shortfall in income occur.
The managing Committee annually reviews the amount of reserves required to ensure that they are
adequate to fulfil continuing obligations.
Investment Policy
The funds held by the Charity are invested with th6 objective of obtaining the highest interest rates
available with the minimum of risk.
Trustees. responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial
statements for each financial year showing the incoming resources and application of resources of
the Charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements the Trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently, make judgements and
estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and prepar8 the financial accounts on the going
concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the
financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 (FRS 102), and the Charity SORP
Regulations.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees, report was approved by the trustees on 14th May 2025 and signed on their behalf
by..
Sonja Olsen
Chair
14th May 2025
g, OIL

FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of The Friends of Swansea Botanical
Gardens.
I report on the accounts of the Friends of the Swansea Botanical Gard8ns for the 12 months
ended 31 st December 2024 which are s8t out on pages 7 to 10.
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 144(2) of th8 Charities Act 2011
(the 2011 Act), and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act,.
follow th8 procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners
under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out 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 you as trustees
concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that
would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts
present a 'true and fair vi&w' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement
below.
Independent examiner's statement
In th8 connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
1 . 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 2011 Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
accounting requirements of the 2011 Act.
have not been met; or
2. to which
th
co
y opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of
o be reached.
Stephen Kent, FCA
Stephen Kent & Company
456 Gower Road
Killay, Swansea SA2 7AL
.date

*oS01 S*4
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Statement of financial activities for the 12 months to 31st December 2024
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
3111212024
Total Funds
3111212023
Note
Incomlng Resources
Donations & Grants
Trading Income
Interest on Investments
21,541
37,135
1,735
6,028
27,569
37,135
1,735
19,532
39,029
841
Total Incomlng Resources
60,411
6,028
66,439
59,402
Resources Expended
Charitable Activities
Plants & Materials for Resale
Other Trading Materials
Administration
40,777
9,581
1270
800
24,855
65,632
9,581
1,270
800
36,967
9,456
1,505
708
Total Resources Expended
52,428
24,855
77,283
48,636
NET INCOMINGIOUTGOING RESOURCES
7,983
-18,827
-10,844
10,766
Balances brought forward as at 1st January 2024
76,473
18,827
95,300
84,534
Balances carried forward as at 31st December 2024
84,456
84,456
95,300
The Statement of Financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year
All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities

*DSDI$*4*
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2024
31st December 2024
31st December 2023
Note
Current Assets
Stock
Cash at Bank
Cash in Hand
Prepayments
Total Current Assets
6,190
78,432
50
184
4,936
91,161
50
199
84,856
96,346
Current Llabllltles
Accruals
400
1,046
NET TOTAL ASSETS
84,456
95,300
Funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
84,456
76,473
18,827
TOTAL FUNDS
84,456
95,300
The Financial Statements were approved by the trustees on 14th May 2025 and signed on their behalf by;"
Sonja Olsen
Chair
14th May 2025
sokn

FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Notes to the financial statem8nts for the year ended 31 sl December 2024
Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost
convention, and in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and with the Financial Reporting
Standard applicable to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102). Also, the
Chariti8s SORP (FRS 102).
The following accounting policies have been used:
(a) Interest receivable is account8d for in the year in which it falls due.
(b) Donations receivable and Trading Income are accounted for in the year in which they
are received.
(c) Funds accounting - Funds held by the charity are: Unrestricted general funds - these are
funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the
Trustees.
Restricted funds these are funds which can only be used for particular restricted purposes
within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when
funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to th8
accounts.
(e) Resources expended - All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual accounting basis
and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.
2. Taxation
FSBG is a registered charity and, accordingly, is exempt from taxation on its income and
gains where they are applied for charitable purposes.
io

li￿¢11 Gb
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
3. Direct Charitable Expenditure
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
to
31/12/2024
Funds
Funds
2023
Repalntln8 And Refurblshment of OutbLtlldlngs
Wooden Tree Benches
Plants and Materlals for New Plantlng Schemes
Gate
20,436
20,436
18,700
9,395
7,000
5,760
2,040
1,975
170
156
65,632
18,700
9,395
7,000
775
2,040
975
33,960
Gardening Tools for Volunteers/Gardeners
Staglng for Plants In glasshouses
Deflbrlllalor
SpecSmen Tree SSgns
Web-site/ NewsLetter & other Communlcatlon5
4,985
1,000
170
156
40,777
192
34,152
24,855
4. Truste8s' remuneration
None of the trustees were paid any remuneration or 8xpenses by the Charity during the
year (2023 none). There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period.
5. Stock
Stock of plants, compost, pots and other materials, used for Irading, are valued at the
lowest of cost or net realisable value.
li

FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS
6. Funds
Movement in Resources >
Balance
1st
January
2024
Balance
31st
December
2024
Incomin
Outgoing
RESTRICTED FUNDING
Postcode Lottery Grant for
Tree Seats
18,700
18,700
Donation in Memory of Heilig
Jones
127
43
170
Awards ForAII: Gardening
Tools
Austin Ba iley Foundation -
Defibrillator
4,985
4,985
1,000
1,000
TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS
18,827
6,028
24,855
UNRESTRICTED FUNDING
General Funds
76,473
60,411
52,428
84,456
TOTAL FUNDS
95,300
66,439
77,283
84,456
12