FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS Register8d Charity Number: 1052032 Annual Report and financial ststements for the 12 months 8nd8d 31st December 2025 Contents Pa General information Trustees, report Independent examinerfs report ststement of fin8ncial activities Balance sheet 10 Not8S to the accounts
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS General Information for the 12 months ended 3181 Decemb8r 2025 Refgrence and administration details Charity name Friends of Swansea Botanical Gardens Working name FSBG Charity Number 1052032 Charity's prlncipal address Botan1 Gardens Singleton Park Swansea SA2 9DU Trust88S Sonja Olsen Susan Bafk8r Wendy Owen Ceri Davies Janet Leach Emiliè Short Amanda White Stephen Kidw811 Jane Terrett Pam91a Morgan Chairper50n Treasurer Secr8lary Resigned September 2025 R8signed September 2025 Independent examiner St8phen Kent & Company Chartered Accountsnts 456 Gower Road Killay Swansea SA2 7AL Bankers Lloyds Bank plc Oxford Street Swansea SA13AF
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS Trustees Annual Report for the 12 months ended 31st December 2025 The Trustees present their r8POrt along with the financial ststements for the twelve months ended 31 December 2025. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and SORP and with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ir8land (FRS102). Structure, Governance & Management Friends of the City of Swans8a Botanical Complex was established in 1994 in order to promote th8 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 the Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park. The organisation was r8gistered as a charity in 1995 with a Constitution which has subsequently had small amendments. Its income is gen8rated from the sale of plants at a well-established shop, which has been trading for twenty-nine y8ars. Additional income is acquired through grant funding for specific projects. FSBG has no assets other than cash at the bank. its plant stock and the goodwill of th8 volunteers. FSBG is based in two polyiunnels within the Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park. FSBG operates under a three-y8ar Licenc8 & Agreement with City & County of Swansea. This was renewed in April 2025. All projects undertaken in the Gardens are either initiated by the Council or with the agreement of the Council. FSBG is an affiliated society of the Royal Horticultural Society [RHS]. Annual insuranc8 Wlth public liability up to £1 Omillion is in place. The affairs of FSBG are managed by a Board of Trustees consisting of up to thirteen memb8rs (eight 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 memb8rs 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 intention of acting in the b8St int8rests of the Charity. Th8 AGM is held in Maylearty June.
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS Documentation is in place to cover financial policy, 8quality and div8rsity, saf8guarding, 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 volunt88rs and offers volunt88ring opportunities for a diverse s8dion of the local community. These volunteering opportunit18s offer roles for people of various abilitl8S. Without willing volunteers generously giving their time and their skills the charity would not exist. Volunteer hours this year are approximately 4,000. Due to the loss of our main Shop polytunnel by Storm Darragh in December 2024 it was decided to suspend recruitment of new volunteers until both polytunnels were back into full operation. Unfortunately, the replacement of the Shop polytunnel has taken much longer than expected. The polytunnel belongs to the Council and is completely out of the control of FSBG. However, the recruitment process has been reactivated for 2026. FSBG continues to work closely with the on-site Council staff and are grateful to them for th8ir assistsnce throughout the year. especially wtth the winter plant care and watering of plants. The Charity has an ageing group of knowledgeable people who need to pass on their knowledge to the next generation. But there is a problem recruiting young8r volunteers, not only to carry on the work of FSBG, but also to become Trustees and ev8ntually take on Officer responsibilities. This is a very serious problem for the future of the Friends of Swansea Botanical Garden. Adive steps have been taken with the Trustees holding a "brainstomiing" meeting lead by a professional facilitator. This was a very successful discussion resulting in good point8rs and direction. It was followed by a rneeting with all volunt8ers to outline concerns about the future of FSBG. Several volunte8rs came forward to fill pot8ntial vacances giving the Trustees optimism for the future of the management. The Trustees understand that FSBG is not unique in this situation as many others in the charity sector are experiencing the same problems.
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS Trading Income is achieved through trading in the community Plant Shop and from grant funding for specific projects. 2025 has been a very successful trading year in the shop, despite the difficulties. Takings are up on last year which was pleasing given the challenging weather conditions and cost-of-living crisis. Stock for the shop com8s from three sources: purchased from reputable suppli8rs. propagated by volunteers from s8ed 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. Following increased interest from the public in houseplants the range of indoor plants has been expanded. Supplies of plants and compost improved this year again, although prices have risen even more. Building on the success of recent years we continue to plac8 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 gard8ns and grounds in the Botanical Gardens for the b8n8fit and enjoyment of the public. Achievements & Performance FSBG has spent £25,599 this year on improvernents and maintenance in the gardens. We have introduc8d plant identification botanical lab81s with QR codes to infomi visitors what is growing in each bed and these new labels have been wo51 received by the Visitors. W8 have funded a new path and planting of the herb garden which continues into 2026. We have continu8d our programm8 of refurbishment and staining of bench seats. Also. we have continued our prc#Jrammes of plant labelling and supports and restoration of pathways and replanting. We purchased vital Pond filtration equipment for the Temperate Glasshouse. We have also funded tools and 8quipment for th8 gardeners. This included vegetable cages to enable the gardeners to grow even more food which is donated to Sketty Food Bank. Our website and social media is ful of information about th8 Botanical Gardens and has an increased following. We produc8 a quartedy NewsLetter with inter8Sting contributions covering plant infomiation, food and poems 8tc., from volunteers and gardeners. This is sent to approximately 650 supporters. Due to th8 damage caused by Stom Darragh in December 2024, we lost our shop polytunnel. We had to transfer as much as possible, including cupboards. stationary, reference books, tools. sales equipment, compost. plant feed, plants, workstations, seating etc, everything needed to work, prepare and pot up plants. to our second polytunnel normally used for storage. Our volunteers worked tirelessly all through January 2025 to enable the shop to b8 reopened safely for the public and for our volunt88rs.
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS Future Plans FSBG wtll fund the W811being Garden to be planted with fruit trees and perennials as the soil, does not support th8 wildflowers previously planted. The garden will celebrate its centenary in 2026. In readine&8 various projects are planned:_ Refurbishment of Ty'r Blodau, the Education Centre, which is the centre piece of the Botanical Garden. This will include r8painting of shutt8rs, metalwork and woodwork. A new design for planting and the subsequent planting will be funded for the waterfall garden. Also planned is a timer switch for waterfall, to be installed. We will add to our collection of wood8n carved animals with some frogs and toads for siting around ponds. Also, new plants for the Temperate Glasshouse. Other vital maintenanc8 issues will be addressed by funding a replacement of th8 notice board at the entrance to the Botanical Garden. And reroofing for the grav81 shed The Green Flag Award Judging wtll take place in the Spring. We are introducing work-shops for our volunteers to incr8ase their knowledge of correct planting proc8dur8s, soil types, propagating, seed growng, pruning times and general care. Financial Review and Reserves Policy Unrestricted funds.. Incoming resources amounted to £42,139 (2024.. £60,411) and expenditure of £45,267 (2024.. £52,428) was incurred. There was therefore net outgoing resources of £3 128 (2024: incoming £7.983} Adding the deficit to opening unrestricted funds of £84.45612024: £95,300) resu$ in unr8Stricted funds Carried foNard at 31 st Dec8mber 2025 were £81,328(2024: £84,456). These unrestricted funds will be utilis8d on future projects. Restricted funds.. There was no incoming resources (2024: £6.028) and no expenditure (2024.. £24,855) was incurred. All of the restricted funding was sp8nt in 2024. Restricted funds carried forward are Nil. Reserves Policy FSBG managing Committee has resolved to set asKle a sum of mon8y to provide financial stability and the means for the development of our principal activities. It is intended to maintain the reserves at £20,000 for the coming y8ar, in orderto meet any unforeseen r8quirements 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 abl8 to Cover potential risks and conting8nci8S that may arise from time to time, the Reserves Policy aims to maintain sufficient level of r8serves 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 aniount of reserves required to ensure that they are adequate to fulfil continuing obligations.
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS Investment Policy The funds held by th8 Charrty are invested with the 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 Unit8d Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charits'es 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 ar8 required to: $81ect suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently, make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and prepare the financial accounts on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continu8 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 Charit18s 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 oth8r irregularities. The trustees, report was approved by the trustees on 3rd Jun8 2026 and signed on their behalf by: Som Sonja Olsen Chair 3rd June 2026
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 Fri8nds of th8 Swansea Botanical Gardens for the 12 months ended 31st D8¢ember 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 10. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner.. . The charivs trustees are responsible for the pr8paration 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 (th8 2011 Act), and that an independent examination is n8eded. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act" follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission8rs under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs statement My examination was carried out in accordance with Gen8ral Directions grven by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a r8view 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 conceming 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 pres8nt a 'true and fair vi8w' and th8 report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Ind8pend8nt examiner's statement In the connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention: 1. vthich gives me reasonable caus8 to b81ieve that in. any material respect, the requirements.. to keep 8ccounting 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 requiremgnts of the 2011 Act. have not been met" or 2.to the my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of to be reached. o(J ephen Kent CA Steph8n Kent & Company 456 Gower Road Killay, Swans8a SA2 7AL 302 .date
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS Statement of financial activities for the 12 months to 31st December 2025 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 3V1212025 Total Funds Note 3V1212024 Incomln8 Resources Donations & Grants Trading Income Interest on Investments 40,336 1,123 27.569 37,135 1,735 40,336 1,123 Total Incomln8 Resources 42,139 42,139 66,439 Resource$ Expended Charitable Activities Plants & Materials for Resale Other Trading Materials Administration 25,599 14.023 2,572 3.073 25,599 14,023 2.572 3,073 65,632 9.581 1,270 800 Totsl Resources Expended 45,267 45.267 77,283 NET INCOMINGIOUTGOING RESOURCES -3,128 3.128 -10,844 Balances brought fonvard as at 1st January 2025 84,456 84,456 95.3LKJ Balances carried forward as at 31st December 2025 81.328 81.328 84,456 The Statement of Financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2025 31st Detember 2025 31st December 2024 Note Current Assets Stock Cash at Bank Cash in Hand Prepayments Total Current Assets 3,079 79,643 36 184 6,190 78,432 50 184 82.942 84,856 Current Liabllltles Accruals 1.614 NET TOTAL ASSETS 81,328 84,456 Funds Unrestricted Restricted 81,328 84,456 TOTAL FUNDS 81,328 84,456 The Flnancial Statements were approved by the trustees on 3, June 2026 and signed on their behalf by:_ Sonja Olsen Chair 3 June 2026 io
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS Notes to the financial statements for the year 8nded 31st D8cember 2025 Accounting policies The accounts have been prepared on a going concem basis under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with th8 Charities Act 2011 and with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102). Also, the Charities SORP (FRS 102). The following accounting F)olicies have been used: {a) Inter8St receivable is accounted for in the year in which it falls due. (b) Donations receivable and Trading Income are accounted for in the year in which thay 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 Trust88s. Restrict8d fvnds - these ar8 funds which can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions aris8 when specified by the donor or when funds ar8 raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpos8 of 8ach fund is induded in the notes to the accounts. (e) Resources expend8d - 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 8X8mpt from taxation on its income and gains where they are appli8d for charitable purpos8S. li
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS 3. Direct Charitable Expenditure Unrestricted Restrirted Total Total to 3111212025 Funds Funds 2024 Restoration of Paths Repainting And Refvrbishment of Benches Plant Labelling Pond Equipment for GlassHous* Tools and Equlpment for Gardeners Plant5 Web-sStel NewsLetter & other Communications 8,442 5,045 4,559 4,358 2,568 462 8,442 5.045 4,559 4,358 2,568 462 165 25,599 165 25,599 156 156 4. Trustees, r8muneration None of the trustees were paid any remuneration or expenses by the Charity during thg year (2024 none). There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period. 5. Stock Stock of plants, compost, pots and other materials, used for trading. are valued at the lowest of cost or net realisable value. 12
FRIENDS OF SWANSEA BOTANICAL GARDENS 6. Funds Movement in Resourtes > Balance 31st December 2025 Balan 1st January 2025 Incoming Outgoing RESTRICTED FUNDING TOTAL RESTRICTED FU14DS UNRESTRicfED FUNDING General Funds 84,456 42,139 45,267 81,328 TOTAL FUNDS 84,456 42,139 45,267 81.328 13