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← Noah's Ark Children's Venture

2025-03-31-accounts

NOAH’S ARK CHILDREN’S VENTURE

(COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

Company No. 3325597

Charity Registration No. 1061676

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 MARCH 2025

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NOAH’S ARK CHILDREN’S VENTURE

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C O N T E N T S

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT:

Chair’s Report 1
Treasurer’s Report 2
Expression of thanks 6
Report of the Board of Trustees 7
Independent Examiner’s report 15
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Statement of financial activities 16
Balance sheet 17
Notes to the accounts 18

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CHAIR’S REPORT

As Chair of the Board of Trustees of Noah's Ark Children's Venture, I am pleased to introduce our Annual Report for the year ending 31st March 2025, which sets out our charitable aims and objectives, the work we carry out, the services we provide, and most importantly tells you about the range of children, young people and adults who make use of our residential and outdoor facilities throughout the year. The opportunities we provide for those most in need of accessing our services at an affordable, or a minimal cost, remains our prime objective. Information about our user groups is given in the management report.

Without our dedicated onsite team and volunteer community; maintaining the buildings and woodland; clearing, cleaning and repairing after each group's stay; and, managing bookings and supplies, we would not be here. This has been a year of restructuring and change which is never easy, so we remain indebted to our staff and volunteers for their continued support and commitment to the Charity.

Our thanks also to the friends of Macaroni Wood, all those who have volunteered their time and energy and the wide range of charitable trusts listed in the report that have provided and continue to provide essential funds to maintain and develop our charity.

We remain grateful to the Ernest Cook Trust, the owners of Macaroni Wood, who lease this wonderful woodland site to us; we look forward to continuing to work with them as we develop and grow for the benefit of our charitable groups.

Finally, many thanks to all the trustees, volunteers, and friends of Macaroni Wood who donate their time and energies in so many ways that contributes so much to the organisation's success and development.

Adam Hainsworth Chair of the Board of Trustees

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TREASURER’S REPORT 2024-25

Results for the year

This was very much a year of two halves with the cost model significantly changing mid-year as we reorganised to improve cost management and focus on generating a surplus. This has not been achieved when looking at the full year results, however the subsequent years budget and performance very much reflect a leaner expenditure which we look forward to sharing in due course.

Overall, there was a slight deterioration in net expenditure compared to previous years with a net outflow of £53,064 for the year (2024: £34,866). However, ignoring the exceptional items (£32,842) provides a healthier view with the Charity close to breaking even for the year. Couple this with the aggressive cost management in the second half of the year and the basis for 2025/6 is established.

Income

Income was lower than previous year, £236,138 (2024: £286,700) but above the longer term trend as last year benefited from generous capital expenditure grants to improve the landscape.

Five year view

Item 2025 2024 2023 2022(covid) 2021(covid)
Income £236,138 £286,925 £216,925 £161,688 £208,168
Grants* £104,324 £115,542 £107,184 £83,837 £196,218
Charitable
activities		 £94,898 £125,986 £72,595 £51,135 £11,138
Other
income		 £36,258 £43,813 £36,886 £23,874 £774

*Includes UK youth grants directly funding Charitable Activities by funding groups to visit in the winter months.

Income from Grants has reduced over the year and this has continued into the current fiscal year as the impact of restructuring reduced the resource available to pursue grant applications. In lieu, we focussed on improving bookings, especially in the quieter months, and reducing both the impact and incidence of late cancellations. This is reflected in the increased Charitable Activities and Other Income streams.

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Our income is derived from:

We express our gratitude to the legacy of Richard MacVicar for the continued support of £17,325 during the year.

The income from activities not related to our primary purpose falls below the 25% small trading tax exemption limit (and maximum threshold) for our income level.

Expenditure

Item 2025 2024 2023 2022
(covid)		 2021 (covid)
Expenditure
(exclude
exceptional
items below)		 £256,354 £321,566 £237,422 £217,899 £190,241
Exceptional £32,848 - - - -
Staff costs £151,322 £172,779 £125,003 £112,778 £102,778
Premises costs £61,395 £96,348 £67,885 £59,272 £42,204

The trend of increasing, and unsustainable, costs, detailed in previous reports drove a reorganisation during the year and an aggressive focus on cost management has resulted in a material reduction in the operating cost base of the Charity. This has impacted most cost lines bringing both staff costs and premises costs back in line with the historical trend as we aim for a surplus in 2025/6.

However, the current burn-rate of circa £15,000 per month is insufficient to ensure the appropriate level of investment in people and infrastructure so we do anticipate more work to raise funds, increase occupancy and optimise site utilisation further as we move forward; especially seeking opportunities to increase occupancy in the winter months.

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Reserves Policy

The aim of the reserves policy is to ensure that the charity’s ongoing and future activities are reasonably protected from unexpected fluctuations in its income and expenditure. As a result of the recognition by the trustees of the need to reorganise and to reduce the cost base as described above the reserves were heavily utilised during the year, contributing to operating and reorganisation costs. The second half of the year begins to show a managed cost base and we are aiming for a surplus in 2025/6 to begin to replenish the reserves; but initially bring the general fund up to the level the trustees consider appropriate (£10,000). The Trustees have monitored income/ expenditure and available cash flow during the year and are confident that this will be achieved.

Our balance sheet, at 31st March 2025 shows that we have net assets of £95,872 (2024: £148,936), as set out below:

General fund

General fund £8,340 (2024: £8,517)

Restricted fund

During the year £97,770 (2024: £80,248) of restricted fund grants and donations were spent on Charitable activities and grants and donations of £96,072 received (2024: £85,536) leaving a balance of £3,474 at the year end. This includes a UK Youth grant directly funding groups to visit in the winter months allocated to Charitable Activities in the financial statements.

Designated fund

Revenue Contingency Fund - £nil (2024: £38,500)

a designated reserve that represents 3 months of running costs which should be in place to cover unseen eventualities or liabilities, such as the unexpected loss of revenue or maintenance grants. Unfortunately, all have been transferred to the general fund to cover the outflow during the year.

Friends of Macaroni Wood Fund - £2,137 (2024: £13,345)

a designated fund made up from the generous donations of supporters to our work. Donations of £792 increased the fund but allocated £12,000 to support the operations of the Charity.

Building Contingency Fund - £12,039 (2024: £12,039)

a designated reserve that is in place to take account of the fact that we have a full repairing lease on a property that comprises 17 acres of woodland, pathways, and outdoor play structures, as well as three substantial buildings that can accommodate 51 people, staff accommodation, and external storage facilities.

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Dennis Hunter fund for disadvantaged groups - £nil (2024: £5,000)

due to the cost pressures we have transferred this fund to operating costs for all groups during the year.

Fixed Asset - £69,881 (2024: £65,032)

£14,867 additions have been made to fixed assets during the year and £9,658 depreciation charged during the year.

Concluding comments

The Trustees are aware of the net outflow over a number of years and during 2024/5 are taking steps to manage costs and structure the Charity to efficiently deliver residential stays and outdoor learning to our users. We would not be able to do this with without the continued dedication and enthusiasm of our team, volunteers and supporters.

A Hainsworth

Chair of the Trustees

22 / 12 / 2025

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EXPRESSION OF THANKS

The Trustees and Staff would like to thank our following recent supporters.

Trusts & Supporters in 2024-2025

29 May 1961 Charitable Trust Clothworks Black Panthers Bike Club H R Bull Charitable Trust Barnwood Trust Chapman Trust Farming in Protected Landscapes Fourwinds Trust Goodman Foundation MacVicar Charitable Trust National Lottery Community Fund Our Friends and supporters paid through Charities Aid Foundation UK Youth

Volunteers

We should like to thank staff the following organisations for donating their time.

Spirax Sarco Xylem
Nationwide Lechlade Gardening Club
Ringway Construction

In particular, the Trustees would like to acknowledge the volunteering support from Matt Ashman, Chris Fenton, Colin Thompson, Jenny Worsdall, Larry Smith, Paternoster School and Cotswold Chine School, and the other volunteers who come to help support the Woods in many ways. We are very thankful for their contribution to nurture the environment. As well as our volunteers’ generous donation of their time we have benefitted from donations of a range of items that really help reduce our outgoings, help further equip our houses, and help our local environment flourish Including plants, and trees for our orchard and woodland.

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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The members of the Board of Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Reference and Administrative Details

Registered charity name Noah’s Ark Children’s Venture

Company registration number 3325597

Registered office and Macaroni Wood Operational address Eastleach Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 3NF

The Board of Trustees

Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:

A Hainsworth (Chair)

J R Eastham J Davidson C Newton-Alfred S Robinson G Smith

There were no trustees who held title to property belonging to the charity during the reporting period or at the date of approval.

Bankers

Lloyds Bank Plc Castle Street, Cirencester Gloucestershire GL71QJ

Independent Examiner

Kate Adderley CA

Third Sector Accountancy Limited

Holyoake House, Hanover Street

Manchester M60 0AS

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OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Purposes and aims

Our charity’s purpose, as set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum of association, is:

‘The Charity's objects are restricted specifically only for the public benefit are the provision of facilities for the recreation and other leisure time occupation for children being facilities: (i) Of which children and others have need by reason of their youth, disability, poverty, or social and economic circumstances, (ii) Which will improve the conditions of life for such children and others by promoting their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, and (iii) To assist in such ways as the charity trustees think fit, any charity, social care or education organisation in the United Kingdom whose aims include the advancing of education of persons under the age of 25 years in conservation protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment.’

Our aim, and what we have strived to achieve over the years, is to make Macaroni Wood a refuge for children and young people to escape the pressure of modern society and spend time exploring nature.

Macaroni Wood is a magical place to many people, and we have had many wonderful letters from youth workers, teachers and young people themselves testifying that a residential visit to the centre has had a positive and therapeutic impact on their lives.

Our charity operates a policy of helping all children, and others, irrespective of race, colour, creed, gender, and sexual orientation or physical or mental ability. We have always had and continue to maintain a strong commitment to working with groups who provide respite and care for those with special needs.

Our charity operates from the registered office in Gloucestershire leased from the Ernest Cook Trust. The property has been converted for use by children and others, and, particularly, Castree House has been built for use by people with disabilities. Activities are available at the Centre including helping with the animals, structured woodland activities, adventure playground area, cycling and walking in the woods and, nearby, many interesting educational, leisure, sporting and entertainment venues.

We work with a wide range of statutory and voluntary organisations and other charities that use our facilities at Macaroni Wood to provide therapeutic, educational and respite care to their individual clients. We aim to support them to the best of our ability to achieve their individual goals.

Ensuring our work delivers our aims

We review our aims, objectives, and activities each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous year. Part of this review is the monitoring of the feedback forms from user groups upon which we have acted and have bought new play equipment. This review helps us to ensure that our aims, objectives, and

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activities remain focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

The focus on our work

Our main objective for the year continued to be the provision of recreation and leisure facilities for children and other groups. The strategies we used to meet these objectives included:

HOW OUR ACTIVITIES DELIVER PUBLIC BENEFIT

Our main activities and who we aim to help are described below. All our charitable activities focus on the provision of recreation and leisure-time facilities at modest cost to our users and are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit.

Who used and benefited from our services

All our activities throughout the year have been in pursuance of our charitable objects; our fundraising enables us to offer our facilities at a subsidised cost to groups. Feedback from service users enables us to constantly monitor their experiences of using our facilities and informs our development planning, to meet the changing and diverse needs of our service users. As some young visitors wrote about their highlights:

“I have learnt to embrace new challenges and say yes”

“I would say a lot of the experiences were highlights like holding chickens, bush craft and a lot of others”

“Going on a night walk. Singing and having a laugh around the campsite. Holding a guinea pig”

“I have developed trying new things and giving it a go, working together as a team and being there for others”

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Visitors to Macaroni Wood during the last year included:

Athac families Hither Green Baptist church Paternoster School
Bedwas School Ipswich School Right Track project
Birmingham Children’s Trust Jack Tizzard School Riverside School
Brent Knoll School Oasis Sense
Community Youth group Lewisham children’s group Shrubberies School
Company Three Lewisham Young Carers Swiss Cottage School
Cotswold Chine School Mayfield School Talk Club
Courtyard School Mencap Techtivity
Drumbeat School Oaks to Acorns Twyning School
Uffculme School
XLP

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR USERS

In 2024-25 we had a total of 1,743 (2024: 2,055) residential users.

**2024-5 ** 2023-24 2022-23
SEN Schools 20%
32%
12%
Youthgroups 21%
34%
30%
School 3%
1%
7%
Disability 13%
11%
11%
Families 18%
9%
24%
Private* 25%
12%
16%

*Private guests are those that are not organised by a charity, school or social enterprise or classified above

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Outdoor Learning

We continued to provide outdoor learning activities. This year we provided 119 events with 1,168 participants. These events included forest school, bush craft, pond dipping, night walks, bat walks, animal husbandry and woodland cycling.

Our thanks to Hannah Garbutt and Sue Nixon-Lea for providing the outdoor learning sessions.

We are grateful for the great support from volunteers from Paternoster School, Cotswold Chine School and a Duke of Edinburgh student from Farmors School, Fairford. Their students provided us with vital light site, garden maintenance and animal care, whilst we provided them with valuable transferable skills and learning opportunities building their confidence and self-esteem, as highlighted by a teacher at Paternoster School.

“ The staff at Macaroni Wood have been exceptional in accommodating us and providing valuable opportunities for our senior pupils. Every week, we attend the wood to participate in tasks that have already been set out, equipped, and organised in advance, creating accessible opportunities for our pupils, and meeting their needs.

There are so many benefits to these sessions that I have listed them below:

The Trustees ensure that the facilities are for public benefit, in line with our charitable objects. Recognising this, we welcomed Little Flowers Club, for young people with ASD, to MacVicar House on a weekly basis. We look forward to working with Little Flowers Club as we develop our facilities.

We were grateful to receive a grant from UK Youth Adventures Away from Home, funding residential and day visits to Macaroni Woods. These visits focused on outdoor learning and offered our users the opportunity to learn life skills, conservation skills and to benefit from the environment that the Woods offer.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered under the Companies Acts 1985 and 1989 and was incorporated on 28[th] February 1997 as amended by special resolution dated 10[th] November 2009 and as amended on 28[th] September 2022. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. The decision on who is to benefit from the Charity's remaining assets, pursuant

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to 6.1, may be made by resolution of the Members at or before the time of winding up or dissolution and, subject to any such resolution of the Members, may be made by resolution of the Directors at or before the time of winding up or dissolution.

Recruitment and Appointment of Board of Trustees

All Directors give their time voluntarily. Some Directors have made private bookings during off-peak periods, in line with our private booking policy. However, no Director benefits personally from their involvement with the charity.

The usual term of office for a Director shall be three years, at the end of which they shall retire. A Director shall be eligible for reappointment by the Directors for up to a further two terms, each of three years. No Director shall serve for more than nine consecutive years, unless the Directors consider it would be in the best interests of the Charity for a particular Director to continue to serve beyond that period and that Director is reappointed in accordance with the Articles. James Eastham is a founding member of the Charity, and continues to serve, offering invaluable support for woodland management and his deep knowledge of our visitors and the history of the site.

Trustee induction and training

There was no trustee recruitment during the reporting year 2024-25. The Board met monthly during the year, which included the AGM and the Trustees Away Weekend.

Lease renewal and footprint

Conversations are still in motion with the Ernest Cook Trust (ECT) during the year as the lease for the land and buildings is due for renewal.

Operational & Strategic Planning

In November 2024 the Trustees met face to face and discussed how the Charity was meeting its objectives effectively.

Following an operational, staffing and financial review, during the financial year ended 31[st] March 2025 there was a restructuring and reorganisation, with an emphasis on tight cost controls. The work undertaken stabilised the Charity, and improved performance is reflected in the forecast for the financial year ended to 31[st] March 2026.

The Trustees recognise that restructuring puts additional pressure on our staff; and there has been an improvement in efficiencies and the look and feel of the site. An increased investment in the site is still required to improve and maintain the buildings. With respect to this, grants were obtained to improve outdoor areas and make the site more accessible in line with our objectives. Urgent building work is being performed as needed.

Sarah Robinson, who oversaw the restructuring on a part-time voluntary basis from November 2023, stepped back from this role in October 2025, and we have welcomed Rachel Jenkins as our new Charity Lead.

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Risk Management

The Board of Trustees conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed during 2024-2025. The risk register is updated periodically. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors to the Centre. The Board of Trustees have reviewed policies and procedures to ensure a consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charity. These procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity and the regulatory frameworks within which the charity operates.

Related parties

We are not aware of any related party transactions that should be declared.

STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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 incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

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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 Companies Act 2006. 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.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on …………………………………… 22 / 12 / 2025 and signed on its behalf by

………………………………………. John Davidson Vice Chair of Trustees

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Independent Examiner’s report for the year ended 31 March 2025

Report to the trustees of Noah’s Ark Children’s Venture

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 as set out on pages 16 to 32.

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 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

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 the 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’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In 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:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Kate Adderley CA Third Sector Accountancy Limited Holyoake House Hanover Street Manchester M60 0AS

Date: 22 / 12 / 2025

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Note
£
Income from:
Grants, donations and legacies
3
20,162
Charitable activities
4
82,988
5
36,258
Investments
6
658
Total income
140,066
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
-
Charitable activities
8
191,432
Total expenditure
191,432
9
(51,366)
Transfer between funds
1,331
Net movement in funds for the year
(50,035)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
142,433
Total funds carried forward
92,398
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
Other trading activities		 Restricted
funds
£
84,162
11,910
-
-
96,072
-
97,770
97,770
(1,698)
(1,331)
(3,029)
6,503
3,474		 Total funds
2025
£
104,324
94,898
36,258
658
236,138
-
289,202
289,202
(53,064)
-
(53,064)
148,936
95,872		 Unrestricted
funds
£
51,661
104,331
43,813
1,359
201,164
599
240,719
241,318
(40,154)
21,156
(18,998)
161,431
142,433		 Restricted
Total funds
funds
2024
£
£
63,881
115,542
21,655
125,986
-
43,813
-
1,359
85,536
286,700
-
599
80,248
320,967
80,248
321,566
5,288
(34,866)
(21,156)
-
(15,868)
(34,866)
22,371
183,802
6,503
148,936

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

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture Company number 3325597

Balance sheet as at 31 March 2025

Note 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 13 69,881 65,032
Total fixed assets 69,881 65,032
Current assets
Debtors 14 70,817 74,705
Cash at bank and in hand 41,610 104,678
Total current assets 112,427 179,383
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due in less than one year 15 (86,436) (95,479)
Net current assets 25,991 83,904
Net assets 95,872 148,936
The funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds 16 3,474 6,503
Unrestricted income funds 17 92,398 142,433
Total charity funds 95,872 148,936

For the year in question, the company was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006 and are for circulation to members of the company.

The notes on pages 18 to 32 form part of these accounts.

Approved by the trustees on and signed on their behalf by: 22 / 12 / 2025

(Adam Hainsworth, Chair of Trustees)

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025

1 Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

a Basis of preparation

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 (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 - Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Noah's Ark Children's Venture meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £ sterling.

b Judgments and estimates

The trustees have made no key judgments which have a significant effect on the accounts.

The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

c Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees have reduced fixed costs and continue to monitor reserves.

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

d Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Income received in advance of a provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.

e Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised; refer to the trustees’ annual report for more information about their contribution.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

f Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

g Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose.

Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

h Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

i Operating leases

Operating leases are leases in which the title to the assets, and the risks and rewards of ownership, remain with the lessor. Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

j Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:

Leasehold improvements 10 to 20 years
Vehicles 3 years
Equipment 3 to 20 years

k Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

l Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

m Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

n Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

o Pensions

Employees of the charity are entitled to join a defined contribution ‘money purchase’ scheme. The charity’s contribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 10. There were no outstanding contributions at the year end. The costs of the defined contribution scheme are included within costs of charitable activities.

p Stock

Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. In general, cost is determined on a first in, first out basis. Net realisable value is the price at which stocks can be sold in the normal course of business after allowing for the costs of realisation. Provision is made where necessary for obsolete, slow moving, and defective stocks. Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the items on the open market.

Stock in the financial statements relates to merchandise purchased for re-sale.

2 Legal status of the charity

The charity is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales and has no share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The registered office address is disclosed on page 7.

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

3
Grants, donations, and legacies
Unrestricted
£
Gift in kind: peppercorn lease
-
Grants and donations
20,162
Total
20,162
4
Income from charitable activities
Fee income
82,988
Total
82,988
5
Other trading activities
Private Lets
35,068
Shop income
1,190
Total
36,258
6
Income from investments
Interest on bank deposits
658		 Restricted
£
18,000
66,162
84,162
11,910
11,910
-
-
-
-		 Total 2025
£
18,000
86,324
104,324
94,898
94,898
35,068
1,190
36,258
658		 Unrestricted
£
-
51,661
51,661
104,331
104,331
43,497
316
43,813
1,359		 Restricted
£
18,000
45,881
63,881
21,655
21,655
-
-
-
-		 Total 2024
£
18,000
97,542
115,542
125,986
125,986
43,497
316
43,813
1,359

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

7
Costs of generating funds
Fundraising costs
Marketing costs
8
Costs of Charitable activities
Direct costs
Forest school
Animal expenses
Motor and travelling
Play equipment
Shop purchase
Project expenditures
Bad debts
Depreciation
Staff costs
Salaries and contributions
Other staff costs
DBS checks
Staff training
Staff entertaining
Premises costs
Lease
Rates
Light and heat
Repairs and maintenance
Cleaning
Support costs
Telephone
Insurances
Stationery and postage
Computer expenses & IT support
(Profit)/Loss on disposal of fixed asset
Sundry Costs		 2025
£
-
-
-
2025
£
1,880
2,117
1,289
-
2,075
1,555
1,000
9,658
19,574
147,232
16,173
138
263
497
164,303
18,000
4,121
22,442
6,243
10,589
61,395
370
2,457
360
6,825
360
1,725
12,097		 2024
£
50
549
599
2024
£
2,241
3,029
3,170
2,280
1,567
5,465
3,400
7,253
28,405
175,256
-
-
189
367
175,812
18,000
3,965
28,534
36,467
9,382
96,348
367
2,244
932
6,452
675
680
11,350

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

8 Costs of Charitable activities (continued)

Governance
Trustee meeting expenses
Legal fees
Other professional fees
Independent examiner's fees
Total expenditure on charitable activities
Total Fundraising and charitible expenditures
Analysed as follows:
From restricted funds
From unrestricted funds
9
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
This is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation
10
Staff costs
Staff costs during the year were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Independent examiner's fee		 -
22,669
6,404
2,760
31,833
289,202
289,202
97,770
191,432
289,202
2025
£
9,658
2,760
2025
£
144,114
5,399
1,809
151,322		 381
-
6,739
1,932
9,052
320,967
321,566
80,248
241,318
321,566
2024
£
7,253
1,932
2024
£
162,169
8,610
2,000
172,779

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Staff costs (continued)

No employee has employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2024: Nil).

The average number of staff employed during the period was 8.7 (2024: 8.5).

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees, the Centre Manager and the Business Lead at the beginning of the year. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £28,279 (2024: £85,284).

Following reorganisation mid year the above roles were not replaced. An Interim Charity Lead role was created to oversee the reorganisation.

A termination payment of £13,681 was made to employees as part of a settlement agreement during the year.

Neither the management committee nor any persons connected with them received any remuneration or reimbursed expenses during the year (2024: Nil).

Aggregate donations from related parties were £nil (2024: £Nil).

A trustee made donations of £3,620 to the charity (2024: £nil).

No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity, including guarantees, during the year except as noted below (2024: nil).

y g j ( p) p

12 Corporation tax

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity.

13 Fixed assets: tangible assets

Fixed assets: tangible assets
Cost
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation
Charge for the year
Disposals
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2025
At 1 April 2024
At 1 April 2024		 Leasehold
improvements
£
174,462
11,789
-
186,251
139,296
4,504
-
143,800
42,451
35,166		 £
1,500
-
-
1,500
300
300
-
600
900
1,200
Vehicles		 £
51,557
3,078
(900)
53,735
22,891
4,854
(540)
27,205
26,530
28,666
Equipment		 £
227,519
14,867
(900)
Total
241,486
162,487
9,658
(540)
171,605
69,881
65,032

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

14 Debtors

Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Trade debtors 52,016 35,176
Other debtors 1,973 5,031
Prepayment and accrued income 16,828 34,498
70,817 74,705

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
Other creditor
Social security
Pension contributions		 2025
£
3,135
6,342
75,469
-
-
1,490
86,436		 2024
£
16,467
8,172
56,324
325
10,841
3,350
95,479

Deferred income balance relates solely to amounts received in advance for accomodation bookings, there is no deferred income in respect of grant income.

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

16 Analysis of movements in restricted funds

Current period
Alchemy Foundation
Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe
National Grid Green Spaces Fund
Barnwood Trust
Chapman Charitable Trust
Clothworkers' Foundation
Four Winds Trust
Goodman Foundation
National Lottery Community Fund
Richard MacVicar Legacy
Trustees of Lady Bazley's 1997 Settlement
UK Youth Grant
Total
Cotswolds National Landscape - Farming in Protected
landscapes		 Balance at 1
April 2024
£
1,000
31
1,072
4,400
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,503		 Income
£
-
10,637
-
-
10,000
2,000
3,700
1,500
2,000
19,000
17,325
18,000
11,910
96,072		 Expenditure
£
(1,000)
(9,337)
(1,072)
(4,400)
(10,000)
(2,000)
(3,700)
(1,500)
(2,000)
(15,526)
(17,325)
(18,000)
(11,910)
(97,770)		 Transfers
£
-
(1,331)
-
-
(1,331)		 Balance at 31
March 2025
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,474
-
-
-
3,474

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Analysis of movements in restricted funds (continued)

Analysis of movements in restricted funds (continued)
Comparative period
Alchemy Foundation
Ammco Trust
D'Oyly Carte Charitable
Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe
Lennox Hannay Charitable Trust
Marsh Christian Trust
National Grid Green Spaces Fund
Trustees of Lady Bazley's 1997 Settlement
UK Youth Grant
Total
Bruce Walker Charitable Trust: Wheelchair Bike
Rowlands Trust
Wiiliam A Cadbury
Cotswolds National Landscape - Farming in Protected
landscapes
Hedley FDN BCA
National Lottery Awards for All
National Lottery for Forest School
Percy Bilton Bikes		 Balance at 1
April 2023
£
-
-
2,000
-
-
3,000
-
-
-
-
6,369
4,647
3,355
2,000
-
-
1,000
22,371		 Income
£
1,000
500
-
22,881
3,000
-
5,900
2,000
600
10,000
-
-
-
-
18,000
21,655
-
85,536		 Expenditure
£
-
(500)
(2,000)
(1,694)
(3,000)
(3,000)
(4,828)
(2,000)
(600)
(5,600)
(6,369)
(4,647)
(3,355)
(2,000)
(18,000)
(21,655)
(1,000)
(80,248)		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
(21,156)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(21,156)		 Balance at
31 March
2024
£
1,000
-
-
31
-
-
1,072
-
-
4,400
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,503

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Analysis of movements in restricted funds (continued)

Name of restricted fund

Description, nature and purposes of the fund

Alchemy Foundation Ammco Trust Barnwood Trust Bruce Walker Charitable Trust: Wheelchair Bike Chapman Charitable Trust Clothworkers' Foundation Cotswolds National Landscape Cross & Wells Play Equipment D'Oyly Carte Charitable Four Winds Trust Goodman Foundation Hedley FDN BCA High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Fund Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe Lennox Hannay Charitable Trust Marsh Christian Trust National Grid Green Spaces Fund National Lottery Awards for All National Lottery Community Fund Percy Bilton Bikes Richard MacVicar Legacy Rowlands Trust Trustees of Lady Bazley's 1997 Settlement UK Youth Grant Wiiliam A Cadbury

Outdoor Learning Activities Outdoor Learning Activities Funded to support local groups Wheelchair Bike Contribution towards Farming in Protected Landscapes Contribution towards Farming in Protected Landscapes Outdoor Learning Activities

Play Equipment

The Provision of Outdoor Activities for disadvantaged children Outdoor Learning Activities Contribution towards Farming in Protected Landscapes Forest Schools Glos Groups Outdoor Learning Activities Fencing, accessible allotment & outdoor site upgrades Outdoor Learning Activities Macaroni Wood Biodiversity and Forest School Project Forest Schools and youth work Contribution to outdoor learning role & benefits Mountain Bikes Towards refurbishment Bazley Bathrooms Donation in Kind of land Accommodation Forest Schools

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

17 Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds

Current period
Designated fund
Total unrestricted fund
Designated fund
Revenue Contingency Fund
Friends of Macaroni Wood
Buildings Contingency Fund
Dennis Hunter fund for disadvantaged groups
Fixed assets
General fund		 Balance at 1
April 2024
£
8,517
133,916
142,433
38,500
13,345
12,039
5,000
65,032
133,916		 Income
£
139,274
792
140,066
-
792
-
-
-
792		 Expenditure
£
(191,432)
-
(191,432)
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Transfers
£
51,982
(50,651)
1,331
(38,500)
(12,000)
-
(5,000)
4,849
(50,651)		 As at 31
March 2025
£
8,341
84,057
92,398
-
2,137
12,039
-
69,881
84,057

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds (continued)

Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds (continued)
Comparative period
Revenue Contingency Fund
Friends of Macaroni Wood
Buildings Contingency Fund
Dennis Hunter fund for disadvantaged groups
Fixed assets
Designated fund
General Fund		 Balance at 1
April 2023
£
48,500
13,345
42,039
5,000
41,492
150,376
11,055
161,431		 Income
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
201,164
201,164		 Expenditure
£
-
-
-
-
(7,933)
(7,933)
(233,385)
(241,318)		 Transfers
£
(10,000)
-
(30,000)
-
31,473
(8,527)
29,683
21,156		 As at 31
March 2024
£
38,500
13,345
12,039
5,000
65,032
133,916
8,517
142,433

Name of unrestricted fund Revenue Contingency Fund Friends of Macaroni Wood

Buildings Contingency Fund Dennis Hunter fund for disadvantaged groups

Fixed assets

Description, nature and purposes of the fund Money raised as contingency against unforeseen general expenditure Money raised as contingency against unforeseen general expenditure

Contingency against unforeseen building expenditure & long term spend on heating/efficiencies.

Money raised for disadvantage groups To recognise the fact that the fixed assets are not immediately available for operating expenses.

The transfers from restricted funds are to recognise the purchase of fixed assets which are then held in a designated fund for use by the charity.

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Noah's Ark Children's Venture

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total
Comparative period
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total		 General
fund
£
-
8,341
8,341
General
fund
£
8,517
8,517		 Designated
funds
£
69,881
14,176
84,057
Designated
funds
£
65,032
68,884
133,916		 Restricted
funds
£
-
3,474
3,474
Restricted
funds
£
-
6,503
6,503		 £
69,881
25,991
Total 2025
95,872
£
65,032
83,904
Total 2024
148,936

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